Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 30, No. 3

In This Issue

COVID-19-A Primer Who’s Zoomin’ Who? Dining In

C R E A T I N G

A

M O R E

P O S I T I V E

R E H O B O T H

April 17, 2020 Volume 30, Number 3 camprehoboth.com

inside 4 In Brief

News & Notes

6 CAMP Matters

Who’s Zoomin’ Who? MURRAY ARCHIBALD

8 CAMP Out

The Same, Only Different FAY JACOBS

10 President’s View Now More Than Ever CHRIS BEAGLE

62 CAMP Shots

Remembering Good Times

COVID-19: a Primer

66 Out & Proud

Blood on Their Hands

MARJ SHANNON

CHRIS AZZOPARDI

STEFANI DEOUL

22 CAMP Stories

72 LGBTQ+ YA Column

One Kiss

RICH BARNETT

Hidden Rainbows to Vibrant Prisms

24 POP The Question

EMILY VILLA

28 The Real Dirt

74 Straight Talk

Color Your World Eric W. Wahl

A Modern-Day Atticus Finch

32 Q Puzzle

See page 63

34 Dining In

46 We Remember

ERIC WAHL

48 Good Queer Fun

Time to Stay In

How Melissa Etheridge Learned to Let Go of Fear

VOLUME 30, NUMBER 3 • APRIL 17, 2020

18 Health & Wellness

The Boys in the Band

12 Celebrity Interview

THIS ISSUE

42 CAMP Critters 44 CAMP Cheers Quarantini

16 Women’s FEST Update FAY JACOBS

STEFANI DEOUL

DAVID GARRETT

60 Booked Solid

Calamity: The Many Lives of Calamity Jane

76 CAMP Dates April 21 – June 11

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

52 It’s My Life

Ten Tips for Successful Quarantining MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

ON THE COVER #TogetherApart

56 CAMP Arts

Those Were the Bad Old Days DOUG YETTER

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

Photographs must be high resolution (300 dpi).

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

Letters 2 APRIL 17, 2020

PUBLISHER David Mariner COPY EDITOR Marj Shannon DESIGN AND LAYOUT Mary Beth Ramsey ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Tricia Massella ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Monica Parr, Barb Ralph DISTRIBUTION Corky Fitzpatrick, Mark Wolf CONTRIBUTORS Murray Archibald, Sondra N. Arkin, Rich Barnett, Tony Burns, Stefani Deoul, Michael Thomas Ford, David Garrett, Michael Gilles, Fay Jacobs, Karen R. Jones, Tricia Massella, Monica Parr, Mary Beth Ramsey, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Marj Shannon, Emily Villa, Eric W. Wahl, Doug Yetter

Letters from CAMP Rehoboth is published 15 times per year, between February and Thanksgiving, as a program of CAMP Rehoboth Inc., a non-profit community service organization.

CAMP Rehoboth seeks to create a more positive environment of cooperation and understanding among all people. Revenue generated by advertisements supports CAMP Rehoboth’s purpose as outlined in our mission statement.

The inclusion or mention of any person, group, or business in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth does not, nor is it intended to in any way, indicate sexual orientation. The content of the columns are the views and opinions of the writers and may not indicate the position of CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. © 2020 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved by CAMP Rehoboth. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the editor.

CAMP REHOBOTH

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

We seek to promote community well-being on all levels; to foster the development of community groups; to develop community space; to promote human and civil rights; to work against prejudice and discrimination; to lessen tensions among the community at large; and to help foster the economic growth of the area. We work toward these ends through activities such as the following:

Fundraising for other organizations,

such as AIDS service organizations, gay and lesbian community organizations, recycling programs, environmental projects, literacy training, and other ventures for the general betterment of the community.

Networking resources and information

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

Promoting artistic expressions and creative thinking,

and giving aid to artists and craftspeople with an emphasis on the works of lesbians and gay men.

Education and outreach to the larger community,

including sensitivity training seminars, and printed materials to promote positive images of gay and lesbian people and others.

Promoting political awareness to build safe and inclusive community

through voter information, education, and registration; and analysis of issues and candidates.

PRESIDENT Chris Beagle VICE PRESIDENT Leslie Sinclair SECRETARY Glen Pruitt TREASURER Natalie Moss, CPA AT-LARGE DIRECTORS Jane Blue, Wesley Combs, Mike DeFlavia, Max Dick, Linda Gregory Jack Morrison, Mark Purpura, Tara Sheldon, Kathy Wiz EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR David Mariner HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM DIRECTOR Salvatore Seeley

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

The Way I See It

by David Mariner

ONE OF THE CHALLENGES OF WRITING FOR A PRINT PUBLICATION IS THAT THE WORDS I PUT ON the paper today will not be read by you for at least a week, maybe two or three. Normally, this would be fine, but as we watch this global pandemic unfold, there seem to be new developments and new projections almost daily.

Since our last issue of Letters, the world is much different, and Rehoboth Beach is no exception.

As I sit at home writing, I can see spring unfolding through my bedroom window, with the promise of summer on its way. The summer coming, however, will likely be much different than the one once planned. A family gathering at the beach has been put on hold. Friends have cancelled their plans to visit. And as I endeavor to adapt, working from home and trying to make the most of the situation, there are times when fear and anxiety creep in: fear for my friends and family at greatest risk from COVID-19. Anxiety about what the future holds.

I know, however, that less-fraught days will return. I will be close to friends and family again. The beach will reopen. We simply do not know when. As much as the world has changed since the last issue of Letters, it is impossible to predict what lies ahead. One thing I do know for sure is that we are part of a strong community that is determined to support each other and get through this together.

For 30 years, CAMP Rehoboth has been bringing our community together, and those connections are needed now more than ever. Our staff is working from home and you can continue to reach us at our main phone number 302-227-5620. We have transitioned many of our events and activities to online platforms like Zoom and Facebook Live, which you can learn more about in this issue.

We are reaching out to community members who are home alone, or who have special needs, to offer friendship and support.

Our main focus is providing support to the community that makes CAMP Rehoboth such a unique organization and watchfully advocating against prejudice and discrimination. As we temporarily transition our core community to a decentralized networked one, we continue to bolster all of the connections. We expect to emerge as an even stronger community. Please be safe and stay in touch. Let us know what we can do for you.

And of course, we will continue Letters from CAMP Rehoboth. Letters is available online, or we offer subscriptions. Reading the articles in this issue, I felt like I was reconnecting with old friends. Our writers are adapting to the ‘new normal’ just like everyone else and have some great tips to share. Arts columnist Doug Yetter shares some great virtual museum tours and online performances you can enjoy while you are home. Eric Wahl shares some recipes that will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen. Murray Archibald shares how he’s managing living alone while still getting in 10,000 steps daily.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth as much as I have. We all need to take care of ourselves, and that includes turning off the news for a while, taking a break, and reading Letters. Take care of yourself, stay in touch, and please know that the whole team at CAMP Rehoboth is here to support you. ▼

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

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

APRIL 17, 2020

3 Letters

Quarantine CAMPshots #TogetherApart

S

ocial distancing saves lives. It doesn’t work so well when shooting CAMPshots, the popular Letters from CAMP Rehoboth photo pages.

For the May issue of Letters, CAMP Rehoboth will accept photos from our readers. Please, only shoot photos with people already isolating together in the same house. To be considered for publication, please follow all the guidelines listed below. ▼

Quarantine CAMPshots Submission Guidelines If more than one person

is in the house together, make sure everyone is close together with their heads at about the same level.

Shoot with good light in front of the subjects—not behind.

Do not edit, crop, or add filters to the photograph.

Shoot horizontally, and make sure the people in the

photograph are shown from the waist up, and with a little extra space at the top.

Email photo at the largest size possible. Low res images will not be used. Make sure the subject line reads CAMPshots 30-04 + YOUR NAME. In the email include the full names of everyone in the photo. Email photos to murray@ camprehoboth.com.

Voices from Isolation

“I

think we’re alone now; there doesn’t seem to be anyone around.” Tommy James and the Shondells sang the original version back in 1967. Tiffany had a big hit with it in 1987. Now it seems all too familiar to people around the world. Understanding the full scope and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic will not come until the pandemic finds its place in the history books, but for those experiencing it right now it can be a frightening, confusing, and lonely time. The Letters from CAMP Rehoboth production team is asking for folks to answer one, simple question: What did you learn while in isolation?

Send responses to editor@camprehoboth.com. ▼ Photo by Claire Mueller on Unsplash

Letters 4 APRIL 17, 2020

Robert Robinson taking the chair yoga class at home.

Chair Yoga Helps Folks Stay Active at Home Robert Robinson and husband Frank Echols were among the participants in the CAMP Rehoboth Chair Yoga class on April 7. CAMP Rehoboth is offering a number of virtual classes to help community members stay active while at home. Find out more about CAMP Rehoboth virtual programs at camprehoboth.com. ▼

camp rehoboth

The Census and LGBTQ People in Delaware

A

new report from the National LGBTQ Task Force and the Center for American Progress underscores how important the Census is for LGBTQ individuals in Delaware. At stake is $220 million of SNAP funds for Delaware and $1.25 billion in Medicaid funds. Across the country and here in the state, LGBTQ folks are more likely to receive these services. Read the full report and learn more at camprehoboth.com/data. ▼

Transliance Takes to Zoom

L

ike many groups, Transliance is making their support group available online. CAMP Rehoboth has been partnering with Transliance to host online support groups, which is proving to be convenient for members spread out across Sussex County (and beyond!). Transliance and CAMP Rehoboth will host our next transgender gathering on April 28 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom (meetup.com/Rehoboth-TransLiance). Check out CAMPdates in this issue of Letters for more CAMP Rehoboth virtual opportunities. ▼

⊳

TRAVELS WITH LETTERS

⊲

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA Carlos Prugue and Peter Pizzolongo at Castillo de San Marcos.

A Big Word of THANKS!

CAMP Rehoboth Women’s FEST may have been cancelled for 2020 due to COVID-19, but CAMP Rehoboth’s love and thanks for these amazing sponsors knows no bounds. Thankfully, these 2020 sponsors continued to provide support to CAMP Rehoboth Women’s FEST even after the event was cancelled.

Anonymous

Kate McQueen

Atom Irwin/Susan Walls

KPG Global LLC

Bettenroo

Maplewood Dental

Carol Lazzara

MBA Mortgage Assoc.

Citizens Bank

Midway Motion & Fitness

Darlene Freas

Morgan Stanley, Jenn Harpel

Diane Scobey Dupre Keating Group of Janney Montgomery Scott Glussich Realty Group, Keller Williams Golden Crown Literary Society Joanne Yurik

RBC Wealth Management, Susan H. Stewart Rehoboth Breeze State Farm, Jeanine O’Donnell Wash N Wag Yona Zucker

APRIL 17, 2020

5 Letters

CAMP Matters

BY MURRAY ARCHIBALD

Who’s Zoomin’ Who?

T

his is the second version of CAMPmatters I’ve written for this issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth.

The first one was all about making connections in the time of plague. I hated it. The words felt forced and uncomfortable.

The right words of encouragement for the times. Totally inadequate and inane.

I threw it out.

“What am I really feeling?” I questioned out loud. Not at all bothered to be talking to myself. Two weeks of isolation, I’m perfectly fine.

No one wants to hear me pontificating on COVID-19, I reasoned. We are all experiencing it together. Well, together, apart.

We all have stories to tell.

Stories of isolation. Those of us deemed nonessential have one job: to stay at home and stop the spread of the virus.

Stories of heroism.

Doctors, nurses, and the entire medical community risk their lives on the front lines. So do the employees of grocery stores and pharmacies—and truck drivers, postal carriers, delivery people, police, and emergency responders.

Stories of loss. Stories of recovery. Stories of kindness and love.

To the question of what I was really feeling the only answer seemed to be: “My own story.”

What else could I possibly know? What else could I possibly have to say that would not, under the circumstances, sound lame, or preachy, or so cliché it would make my teeth hurt.

And oh yeah, that reminds me. My teeth do hurt. I broke a tooth on the first day of quarantine. “Meet me at the office at 10 o’clock,” my long-time dentist was quick to respond to my emergency call. “Unless you’ve been out of the country,” he added, almost as an afterthought.

“Ahhh, well, you see, we did just flee home from Mexico.”

I was remembering the last-minute change in travel plans as the situation deteriorated here at home. And the crowds and long lines at the airport.

“I’m not going to put you at risk.” I said, resigning myself to eating on only one side of my mouth for at least 14 days.

“How’s the tooth?” Allen Jarmon texted me the next morning.

“Touch and go,” I responded. “Anything touches it, I go through the roof.”

Letters 6 APRIL 17, 2020

Tooth aside—and I’m managing that fairly well, (I mean, who doesn’t love lukewarm soup?)—isolation is not all that bad for me.

I live alone now—even my sweet little dog, Pete, has passed away since my last CAMPmatters appeared in this magazine. But I’m okay. I have my studio, my office, and my apartment. On days when bad weather or overcrowded downtown Rehoboth sidewalks keep me indoors, I still manage to get my steps in by walking a circuit in the studio.

Dance music helps. And truthfully, safe inside I can turn up the volume and walk, walk, walk, and “werk” to my heart’s content. Ten thousand steps. Easy.

I wish I had stock in Zoom.

In recent weeks I’ve heard that thought expressed on several occasions—both in person and on Facebook. I’ve said it myself, and for good reason. Shelter in place has turned the video conferencing tool into a popular means of connecting with family, friends, and co-workers.

Long before Zoom made its founder a very rich man; long before any of us had an inkling that something like Zoom was even possible in our lifetime—the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, released an album and a song titled “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” The song is upbeat and fun, even if the lyrics are a bit sketchy. Now, 25 years after its release, it finally makes sense. Its question, one for the times.

My family is scattered across the country—Washington DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Colorado, Georgia, and Alabama. Our recent Zoom family reunions allow us to see for ourselves that all is well.

I don’t mind being alone, but there are times when I need to see another face. Zoom, FaceTime, and similar tools make that possible. As human beings, we depend on all our senses to interpret how others are feeling. Our subconscious reads facial expression and body language in ways we don’t even realize.

Face to face—even with long distances separating us—we are reassured that all is well. Our loved ones are safe.

Fortunately for the human race, we are resourceful, creative beings. As a people, we will—despite missteps and failures along the way (or maybe because of them)—find ways to recover from the immensity of the worldwide tragedy unfolding around us.

“I don’t mind being alone, but there are times when I need to see another face. Zoom, FaceTime, and similar tools make that possible.”

Our creativity is on display everywhere we look. Facebook and other social media platforms are filled with ideas, photographs, art, and words of encouragement. Businesses are pivoting to conduct research and create much needed supplies. Cooks, gardeners, artists, writers, and DIYers are finding inspiration and time.

Yes, TIME! Complaints about not having enough time to do the things we want to do—to be creative, to allow our imaginations to run free—are a constant undercurrent to modern life.

In isolation, time is all many of us have.

Maybe, just maybe, if there is anything good that comes out of this pandemic, we will remember the value of time when it is all over. Time to spend with people we love. Time to make the world a better place for all people. Time to be kind to ourselves and to others. Time to put aside our differences.

Time to find leaders who lift us up and inspire us to be better human beings.

Time to understand the greatest lesson of the pandemic.

This is one world; we are one people. We are connected in ways we never fully understood before.

Our creative abilities give us the power to make this world a better place.

It is no accident the first letter in the acronym that forms the name of CAMP Rehoboth comes from the word “create.”

The core of the CAMP Rehoboth philosophy—the philosophy Steve and I preached for 30 years—is an unshakable belief that human creativity has the power to change the world around us. Even if only in tiny ways.

Okay. So, I got a little preachy, after all. Can’t help it; my preacher dad and all that.

Take care of each other, my friends. Don’t waste the time we’ve been given to step outside of ourselves—to rediscover our passion, our drive, our innate ability to re-create the world around us.

And please, never forget that humor is part of healing. By all means, “CAMP and carry on!”

Now, “Who’s Zooming Who?” Murray Archibald is an artist and CAMP Rehoboth co-founder. Email Murray at murray@camprehoboth.com

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! CAMP REHOBOTH PREMIER SPONSORS

CAMP REHOBOTH SPONSOR

For information on how to become a CAMP Rehoboth Annual Sponsor, email info@camprehoboth.com, or contact David Mariner at 302-227-5620.

APRIL 17, 2020

7 Letters

CAMP Out Fay’s Rehoboth Journal

by Fay Jacobs

The Same, Only Different We were serious boaters.

Once upon a time, without a shred of trepidation, we crossed Delaware Bay in a 28-foot cruiser, came out of Cape May into the ocean, hung a left, and cruised up to New York City. We lived on our boat in Dewey, braved rough seas, traveled the Intercoastal Waterway, and survived the Indian River Inlet. We were foolish, fearless, and without adequate sunscreen.

Decades later, here in Florida, we made a rookie mistake in a pontoon boat. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

We met our first challenge renting the boat. Handed an iPad, we had to read all the horrid things that could happen to us or the boat for which the rental company would not be responsible.

Worse, the iPad snapped our photos as we each signed consent. Nobody looks good after reading about their drowning death. And I was surprised the screen fit all my chins.

“Why do they need our pictures?” asked one of our crew.

“To identify the bodies,” somebody surmised.

Next, our octet of women of a certain age stepped carefully onto the boat.

Then, we produced more tubes of sunscreen than available at Walgreens. We couldn’t cast off until each of us looked like a pasty-faced mime.

And the clothing! Years ago it was a bathing suit and a visor. Now, despite sunshine and 77 degrees, it was sweatshirts, long sleeves, and long pants. Only Captain Bonnie wore a bathing suit under her shorts and t-shirt. From the looks of it, the rest of us were going ice fishing.

We used to bring beer and chips. Now we stowed fat-free pretzels, gluten-free veggie chips, sugar-free flavored water, and caffeine-free Coke. Frankly, I think a little caffeine could help stave off drowning.

So okay, once underway the wind picked up, making for a choppy but fun ride. Face it, a pontoon boat is a floating great room—a little unwieldy to steer but by and large a sweet ride.

We marveled at mansions on the water, dive-bombing pelicans, and way too many docks flying Trump flags. Yuk. Deciding to anchor off the beach to go shelling seemed an easy choice. I tossed the anchor out, feeling a pinch in my Letters 8 APRIL 17, 2020

rotator cuff and marveling at how much heavier the chunk of metal was than anchors of old.

As the anchor tried to take hold, the wind caught our floating hospitality suite and carried us directly over the settling anchor.

Uh-oh, now 25 feet of anchor line (that’s rope to you nonboaters) wrapped itself around the propeller.

I flashed back to the staggering amount our pre-cruise paperwork said it would cost us if we damaged the prop and glared glumly at the captain. “Okay, I can fix this,” she said, shutting the engine down, flinging off her shorts and t-shirt, and scampering down the swim ladder into the water.

The amazed peanut gallery put down their flavored waters, moved to the rear of the boat, and stared at the captain, now hanging onto the motor like a Cirque du Soleil performer, and unraveling the anchor line from the prop.

“Is it freezing?” asked a bundled-up passenger.

“I can’t believe she went in!” said another.

“Glad it’s not me,” thought everybody else.

Whereupon the AARP audience cheered as the captain expertly freed the prop from the anchor line, causing nary a scratch to the machinery, then scampered back up into the boat. We all agreed that none of us would have willingly splashed down, and in fact, we were not sure any of us were even capable of scaling the ladder back up into the boat.

I flashed back to the 1980s and 90s, a period I refer to as “my life as ballast,” doing all the crazy things required to live on a boat, dock a boat, and otherwise athletically leap onto piers and jump up and down on the bow pulpit to free us from sandbars.

We’ve come a long way baby, into a new century, on dry land, and abject geezerhood.

But, Captain Bonnie? Still crazy after all these years. Yay. ▼ Fay Jacobs is an author of five published memoirs. Her newest is Fried & Convicted: Rehoboth Beach Uncorked. As a humorist, she’s touring with her show Aging Gracelessly: 50 Shades of Fay. See www. fayjacobs.com

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9 Letters

President’s View

by Chris Beagle

Now More Than Ever

I

t’s difficult to grasp all that has happened in the last month. None of us thought we’d live to see a day like today, a day where Zoom and FaceTime have become household words and where “corona” references a whole lot more than a simple beer. More importantly, we’re now living days where fear and uncertainty are challenging everything we’ve known to be “normal.”

Many of us in the CAMP Rehoboth family have been excited for some time about celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2020. While that has taken a distant back seat to where we find ourselves today, I know we will weather this storm—as a community—and will be able to mark that milestone somewhere down the road.

In times of triumph and tragedy, CAMP Rehoboth has served as the galvanizing presence that pulls so many of us together in this community. On June 26, 2013, when the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was overturned by the US Supreme Court, the community turned to CAMP Rehoboth to gather and celebrate.

Conversely, just hours after the horrific Pulse Nightclub massacre on June 12, 2016, CAMP Rehoboth leaders organized a memorial vigil in our courtyard, and hundreds of individuals, clergy, and

elected officials gathered to mourn and grieve together.

We have always been a community that takes care of each other, through good times and bad. But where we find ourselves now is different. We are all concerned about what lies ahead and the extent to which this unprecedented crisis will impact our organization that we have worked so hard to sustain.

Led by Executive Director David Mariner, staff and board members are coming up with ways to work together to assess and strategize any and all means of navigating CAMP Rehoboth through these unchartered territories. We are researching and pursuing various sources of emergency funding, many of which are aimed specifically at assisting non-profits to manage and survive the crisis.

Health & Wellness Program Director Sal Seeley has worked diligently to adjust our programming and services to offer virtual options allowing individuals to “attend” from home. In some cases, we are reaching even more people than before.

Turning lemons into lemonade.

Now more than ever, I find great comfort knowing we have such dedicated staff and a board determined to guide the CAMP Rehoboth ship through this unimaginable storm.

Finally, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard statements similar to this: “Rehoboth wouldn’t be the community it is today, if not for the good work of CAMP Rehoboth.” Accolades like that are a source of great pride for the staff, board, and co-founder Murray Archibald, but the sad reality is we just don’t know what lies ahead in the coming weeks and months.

In recognition of this, our 30th anniversary, I encourage all who are reading this to consider a contribution, of any kind, to help assure not only our ability to continue our programs and services, but also our ability to sustain this amazing and beautiful organization.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine a Rehoboth Beach without a CAMP Rehoboth.

If you find yourself in need, please reach out to us. Email us at stayinghome@camprehoboth.com. We are here for you and will do our very best to help.

Be well and please stay healthy. ▼ Chris Beagle is president of the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors and is a realtor at Berkshire-Hathaway-Gallo Realty in Rehoboth Beach. He can be reached at christopherbeagle1@gmail.com

We’re in this together.

Your support is critical.

Every donation helps.

Letters 10 APRIL 17, 2020

APRIL 17, 2020

11 Letters

Celebrity Interview

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

How Melissa Etheridge Learned to Let Go of Fear

T

hroughout her dynamic three-decade career, Melissa Etheridge has beat cancer and weathered the devastating emotional toll of the AIDS crisis. Having overcome her own battles, the music legend consequently became a beacon of strength, resilience, and survival, and has turned her tribulations into musical catharsis.

Given her collective courage in facing life’s most unexpected challenges, I decided to turn to her recently. I wrote to the music legend and LGBTQ activist on Twitter to ask if she’d be willing to speak to me about how she’s handling the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic and its resulting fallout the day after a national shutdown that closed schools, workplaces, and restaurants, and forced promoters and artists to cancel tours.

Etheridge was about to play a long stretch of shows in the United States and Europe, but that was canceled too.

During our interview, Etheridge brought her cool head and optimistic outlook as we discussed the unsettling state of our dramatically changed world.

How are you? And I mean that.

You know, we are all well. We’re in the new day, the new world, like all of us, and trying to figure this all out, but we’re all good.

Considering everything, I’m glad to hear that.

This is our new not-normal normal, isn’t it?

And it’s like, how do we shift to this new life that we will be living for probably quite some time.

Yeah. Well, one, the music industry’s been hit so hard. I try not to worry, but it’s like...I worry. My whole crew and band—I’m not making any money, and it’s like, whoa. All of a sudden it really hits you, and it’s like, come on, is this two weeks? One month? Two months? How long am I not gonna make any money?

I can certainly get by for a while, but my crew and stuff—I try not to worry. But it’s going to be a big, fat hardship.

Letters 12 APRIL 17, 2020

You were about to go out on tour when some shows began being canceled because of COVID-19.

Yeah, yeah. Well, it was gonna go till May and then I was gonna have a little bit off in May and June, and then I was gonna go over to Europe at the end of June and come back to America.

And you thought, for a time, that you’d brave it.

(Laughs.) Yeah. I was like, “No, no—I’m not scared of nothing!” But then, all of a sudden, it was like, “Oh, no, never mind.

I get what we’re doing now.” It became that the thing that we can do to keep this from spreading is to keep away from each other.

I took a run today and I don’t usually run, but I had your song “I Run for Life” on and it was getting me through so I just looped it. I just played it four times in a row and ran through my neighborhood. It was a great feeling. And I’m realizing that we have to look to small

joys right now. For me, that was a small joy.

Where are you finding your small joys right now?

I’ll tell you what I’m doing and I just finished: I’ve been going live on Facebook every day at 3 o’clock PST. It just helps me so much. I do two or three songs and just say hey to people. We kind of meet together at the same time and thousands of people all over the world are joining me and it really means a lot.

You said it helps you—how so?

Oh gosh, yes. ’Cause that’s what I do. I sing for people. And when a body sings, it heals. It brings just as much joy to me as it does to other people.

So in addition to the financial impact of canceling your tour, it sounds like there’s also a personal loss for you.

Oh yeah. I had taken a big break the last Continued on page 14

Experience has a local address.

You don’t have to go far, because right here in Rehoboth Beach, you’ll find a Morgan Stanley office staffed with capable, experienced Financial Advisors.

Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can help you sort through the complexity of wealth management and investing. Call us today to set up an appointment. And find the experience you need. Right where you need it.

Jenn Harpel ChFC® Portfolio Manager Financial Advisor 55 Cascade Lane Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 +1 302 644-6620 Jennifer.Harpel@morganstanley.com NMLS# 1310708

© 2019 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. FAS008 CRC 2639317 08/19 CS9370440 09/18

MARTI BY THE SEASHORE

NYC's favorite drag activist Marti Gould Cummings June 12 - Friday 8PM (18+)

COFFEE WITH DRAG ACTIVIST MARTI CUMMINGS!

Learn about political engagement from a leading LGBTQ activist

June 13 - Saturday (FREE) 9AM @ CAMP Rehoboth

Join the Milton Theatre in celebrating PRIDE MONTH 2020!

GREASE (Film Screening)

Movies By The Broadkill Outdoor Film Series June 9 - Tuesday - 8PM

MATERIAL GIRLS

Tribute to Adele, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Cher!

June 13 - Saturday 3PM & 8PM

MAN MADE (FILM)

SUNDAY DRAG BRUNCH

A film that takes us into the heart of transgender male (FTM) culture, revealing unexpected truths about gender, masculinity, humanity and love

with Magnolia Applebottom June 14 - Sunday 1PM (18+)

June 10 - Wednesday 7PM

JULIA SCOTTI Transgender Stand-Up Comic June 11 - Thursday 8PM

80's PROM DANCE PARTY The prom you never had!

With DJ Jamie Fox June 14 - Sunday 7PM

For full details, tickets, and sponsorship to Milton Pride 2020, go to www.MiltonTheatre.com or call 302.684.3038 APRIL 17, 2020

13 Letters

“I have many choices of how to respond…to this virus….I could choose fear.

Or I could …say, ‘I’m going to look at this and I’m going to see what is the loving outcome that can happen here.’ And I choose to do that every day.”

Celebrity Interview, continued from page 12

time. I was on the road in November and I was like, “I’m gonna take the holidays off and really not get that going until March.” That’s a big, long break for me, and I like to get up in front of people and I like the adoration of thousands of people, you know (laughs). It makes me feel good! I’m a road person. I love gettin’ on the road with my crew and my band and playing music. I just love it. I do that. That’s what I do. I love it.

But you’re doing what you can to connect with fans on social media. How about connections in your personal life? Is your family with you?

Yes. My two older kids—one is in New York City and she got out and went to a friend’s in Washington, DC and she’s staying there. I have another in Denver and he’s OK. I wish they were all here.

My two little ones are here with my wife, so we’re camping out here. And we take walks and do stuff—and we’re six feet from our neighbors, but we’re all much more friendly because it’s that connection that we miss.

What did you learn about pandemic panic from living through the worst of the AIDS pandemic?

That there are really good, smart people in the world who were made for this, who were made to make change and to put pressure on government and institutions to change. Really smart people that were born for this. And they’re rising to the occasion right now.

How did the first live stream go?

Aww. It was so, so sweet. It felt so good, and it was so great to see people from all over the world. And that’s the thing: The whole world is going through this. The whole world! And music really goes beyond language and goes straight to the heart and I love that. I feel being a musician is being a healer.

A song that helped get you through your battle with cancer is helping me get through Letters 14 APRIL 17, 2020

this, and it’s Patty Griffin’s “When It Don’t Come Easy,” from her album Impossible Dream, which I’ve had in heavy rotation while physically distancing. Where does a song like that take you?

Sometimes I don’t know what it is about a song that can do that, but a song can just hit a part of your emotional center and it can be in the voice, it can be in the music, it can be when she just sings, “If you get lost, I’ll come out and find you; if you forget my love, I’ll try to remind you, stay by you when it don’t come easy.”

Just knowing that one human being sang that to another human being, and then just knowing that it exists in our emotional world can fill that part of you up. So, I’m so grateful for all the other musicians who have inspired me and do that because that’s our job, and it’s our time to do our job now.

What are you listening to right now in your place with your family to help get you through this?

Reggae always makes me happy. Bob Marley. Some old-school stuff. But my wife and I watched West Side Story and then we watched Barbra Streisand in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. Barbra Streisand just makes you feel good. So we’re kind of finding comfort in that.

And toilet paper—you good?

It’s funny: Just a few months ago we were saying, “Why don’t we make hemp toilet paper? Wouldn’t that be great?”

And I wrote to my friend and went, “Why didn’t we listen to ourselves? Why didn’t we start making hemp toilet paper?”

What were your quarantine essentials? Did you make a run over the weekend?

I actually just went this morning because we have a really great pantry. Because I have two kids, I kind of keep things stocked, so we were fine. But the thing that we always like to do is go to the market a lot because we like really fresh produce and fresh food and that’s the hard part. But I can’t find brown rice anywhere! So I’m hoping we can

replenish and everybody will be OK. And I have to make sure we have salad every day because this is not the time to not be healthy, so fresh produce is the thing.

What are you most grateful for right now?

My wife. Social media. I’m glad I got Netflix. And I’m really grateful for the neighborhood I live in. If I gotta be here every day, I’m grateful for my yard and my house.

Is there a song you sing while you’re washing your hands?

Some people are doing “Bring Me Some Water.” If you sing the first verse and the first line of the chorus. “Bring me some water, I gotta wash my hands.” Bring me the water! (Laughs.)

What words of wisdom would you like me to send out to the LGBTQ community?

I would say a couple of things.

Just because we’re isolating, don’t emotionally isolate. It’s easy for some of us in the LGBTQ community to do that.

Find a way to connect with people. Find the people you can check in with every day and do that. Telephones, social media, whatever the way. And take care of yourself first. Stressful times really lower our immune system, so it’s super important to drink a lot of water and to stay hydrated and exercise. Taking a run, taking a walk. Really, really important.

And also know that change happens— change always happens. And we’re in the midst of it. These are historic times.

Come from love. And be smart and stay healthy but understand that this too shall pass. It always does, and it will. And there’s great change coming because of it. Good change. Beautiful change. For all of us. ▼ Chris Azzopardi is editor of Q Syndicate, the LGBTQ wire service. He has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey, and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.

APRIL 17, 2020

15 Letters

WOMEN’S FEST UPDATE

BY FAY JACOBS

A Note about Women’s FEST At press time we are working with our steadfast and generous friends at Olivia and determining how and when to proceed with the raffle. Stay tuned.

Letters 16 APRIL 17, 2020

W

ell...this was supposed to be the Women’s FEST issue of Letters, leading up to our 20th anniversary event. Women plan, and the universe gives us COVID-19.

The 2020 Women’s FEST may just turn out to be the most successful FEST that never happened.

Here’s the irony. The concerts have been sold out for six weeks now, tickets for most events were going fast, and CAMP Rehoboth was on target to make the most FEST income, and have the best-attended FEST, in two decades.

Since life is what happens when you have other plans, we’re rolling with the punches.

We’re working on ticket refunds, talking with entertainers about future bookings, and trying to clean up in the midst of this terrible time.

In the face of this global health and employment crisis, our FEST worries seem small. But to a non-profit organization like CAMP Rehoboth, finances do matter. Luckily, we have been able to stem some of our expenses (the t-shirt company took back the unprinted shirts, yay!) and keep some of the revenue through generous contributions from some of our sponsors. Some FEST Pass holders have let us know they do not want refunds and other ticket holders have said

the same—not to suggest anything negative about those women wanting refunds. We know this is a dire personal financial crisis for many.

The day-to-day work of unraveling contracts and cutting losses has fallen to FEST co-chairs Dottie Cirelli and Nancy Hewish, with the help of Monica Parr and others in the office. Thanks for the hard work.

Importantly, we still want to recognize the eight FEST founders, seven of whom are still in the area and attend the festival each year, who were scheduled to be honored just before the May 1 Friday night headliner show.

Bravo to Andrea Andrus, Ellen Feinburg, Joan Glass, Maggie Ottato, Lesley Rogan, Maggie Shaw, Libby Stiff, and Bea Wagner.

Your original CAMP Rehoboth Women’s Project morphed into the Women’s Conference, the Women’s Weekend, and ultimately the Women’s FEST. We cannot thank you or celebrate you enough!

As for the Olivia Raffle for a luxury cruise for two to Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, tickets have been selling briskly. At press time we are working with our steadfast and generous friends at Olivia and determining how and when to proceed with the raffle. Stay tuned.

Wash your hands, stay home if you can, and stay safe, please. ▼

randall-douglas.com

302 245 1439

APRIL 17, 2020

17 Letters

health+wellness

By Marj Shannon

COVID-19: a Primer

I

n recent weeks, most of us have had our lives upended in amazing ways.

Changes came with a rapidity we never imagined possible—though many still were too slow in arriving.

There were delays in risk recognition, in testing, and in treatment. People became ill because they were on that cruise ship or in that city before the risk was fully—or even partially— appreciated. Too many people ignored the advice of public health agencies and gathered for Mardi Gras or spring break or a choir rehearsal or a funeral.

Some became ill. Some died.

The virus and the disease: These changes were wrought by the emergence of a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). SARSCoV-2 causes the disease COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease-2019). Because SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus— one never before seen in humans— everyone is susceptible; no one is immune.

SARS CoV-2 is not the first or only coronavirus to infect humans. There are four others which circulate widely in the population; they cause the common cold. One day, SARS-CoV-2 may circulate similarly, and have similar impact. Right now, since no one has immunity, it’s wreaking havoc: everyone is susceptible to the virus, and each person it infects is capable of infecting multiple other people.

Disease severity: For about 80 percent of the people who develop COVID-19, the disease will not be severe. Indeed, in perhaps a quarter of these people (estimates range from 15 percent to 40 percent), there may be few—if any— symptoms. These folks are unaware they have the disease and place no direct burden at all on the health care system: they feel fine; they are not seeking any care.

Many more people among the 80 percent will have symptoms consistent

Letters 18 APRIL 17, 2020

with those of a cold, or seasonal allergies. In the absence of worsening symptoms, these individuals aren’t likely to burden the health care system either. They treat their symptoms—or simply “outlive” them—and carry on with their usual lives. Or as usual as those lives can be, depending upon the restrictions in place where they live and their level of compliance with those restrictions.

Both the symptom-free and mildly symptomatic people ARE a problem, however, in terms of illness transmission: those unaware they are infected nonetheless can infect others.

Even those who develop symptoms— and sequester themselves to avoid transmitting the disease—likely spread the virus during the days before their symptoms appeared.

That’s why social distancing is essential: we simply cannot know who has COVID-19. So, we must stay away from most everyone.

All those precautions: If most people who develop COVID-19 won’t become seriously ill, why are we taking such extraordinary precautions? There are a few big reasons: • The novelty of the virus: Since no one has had it, everyone can get it. No one has immunity.

“Everyone” is a lot of people.

• The capacity of the health care system: The arrival of a very large number of even somewhat-ill people would overwhelm the health care system, flooding doctors’ offices and clinics and emergency rooms.

• The people who will develop severe disease: COVID-19 can be a serious disease for about 20 percent of those who contract it.

Even 20 percent of “everyone” is too large a burden for the health care system to manage—there simply are not enough health care providers or hospital beds or equipment (e.g., ventilators) or supplies to support these people through the course of their disease.

Those most at risk: Most (but certainly not all) of those who develop severe disease are older (age 60 or above) and/or have underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, which make them more vulnerable. Those with multiple chronic conditions are more vulnerable than those with just one. There also appears to be a “dose response”: people exposed to large quantities of the virus (e.g., health care providers) are more likely to develop severe disease. People who smoke and those who are immunocompromised are also at somewhat greater risk of developing severe disease. Men are at greater risk of serious disease than women.

Sexual orientation alone is not a risk factor for developing a severe form of COVID-19. But to the extent that LGBTQ people are among those who are at greater risk—i.e., are smokers or immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions—they too are at increased risk of severe disease. Since a disproportionate number of LGBTQ people may smoke or have other risk factors, a disproportionate number may be at risk.

Staying informed: Seeking out information on COVID-19 is good. Understanding how the disease is transmitted, what steps we can take to minimize the risk that we will become

“…everyone can get it. No one has immunity. ‘Everyone’ is a lot of people.” infected or will infect others, and learning how to care for ourselves or others who are infected are all important.

But, seeking out information also can be risky. As with anything new (or even not-so-new), much of the information available on COVID-19 is inaccurate. Inaccuracies run the gamut from misinformation to disinformation, so it’s important to stick to reliable sources.

A recent post on Harvard University’s Health blog offers tips on identifying reliable sources, e.g., avoid publications that are promoting or selling a product related to the information they’re supplying; and rely on organizations whose mission is to inform and protect the public. You can read the whole post here: https://www.health. harvard.edu/blog/be-careful-whereyou-get-your-news-about-coronavirus-2020020118801.

RELIABLE SOURCES Here are some sources we find reliable, and use regularly ourselves: LOCAL GOVERNMENT Delaware’s official site: coronavirus. delaware.gov/ The site includes everything from case counts to links to the Governor’s declaration of a State of Emergency (and subsequent orders related to same); links to information specific to various groups—e.g., schools and businesses; testing guidance; and telephone numbers through which you can seek more information.

Sussex County’s government operations site: sussexcountyde.gov/ coronavirus Municipalities, e.g., the city of Rehoboth Beach: cityofrehoboth.com

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT There are multiple sites at which you can access national information on everything from case counts and helpful hints to links to additional resources: • coronavirus.gov • cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/ index.html • nih.gov/health-information/ coronavirus • fda.gov/emergency-preparednessand-response/counterterrorismand-emerging-threats/coronavirusdisease-2019-covid-19 • usda.gov/coronavirus • osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/ INTERNATIONAL The World Health Organization (WHO) who.int/emergencies/diseases/novelcoronavirus-2019

PRINT MEDIA The publishing company Elsevier has made thousands of publications related to coronavirus available free of charge in its novel coronavirus information center: elsevier.com/connect/ coronavirus-information-center The New England Journal of Medicine is making its coronavirus coverage available free of charge at: nejm.org/ coronavirus The New York Times offers free access to much of its coronavirus-related news to anyone registering with their email address: nytimes.com/news-event/ coronavirus The Washington Post also provides free access to its coronavirus coverage; go to washingtonpost.com and click on the “coronavirus” link on the homepage.

Johns Hopkins University maintains an online map of all COVID-19 cases reported throughout the world: coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

Local print media (e.g., capegazette. com; delawareonline.com) offer community-level information and perspectives.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Johns Hopkins: hopkinsmedicine.org/ coronavirus

BROADCAST MEDIA

The Kaiser Family Foundation: kff.org; coronavirus appears on its homepage The Commonwealth Fund: commonwealthfund.org; click on the coronavirus link on the homepage.

Our World in Data has videos, charts, and narrative pieces about coronavirus: ourworldindata.org MEDIA A graphic depicting where media sources fall politically (right, left, or center) and how reliable they are (lower, higher) is available at: mediabiaschart. com. It’s useful in factoring that information into your assessment of what you hear/read from a source.

National Public Radio (npr.org) offers wide ranging coverage, including a daily podcast running about 15 minutes.

Network television: Mainstream networks (e.g., PBS, NBC, ABC, CBS, BBC, CNN) are more likely to offer balanced coverage; FOX News skews sharply right; MSNBC skews left.

Local television stations (e.g., WBOC. com; WRDE.com) provide local coverage.

Marj is an epidemiologist and wordsmith who has devoted her life to minutiae. She reports that yes, the devils are in the details.

APRIL 17, 2020

19 Letters

health+wellness Classes and Events CAMP REHOBOTH: LGBTQ YOUTH CIRCLE ⊲ Tuesday, April 21 | 2 p.m.

Topic: Healthy Relationships NOTE: Meeting is open to youth ages 13-18 to find support and connection Zoom Meeting: https://zoom. us/j/137757160?pwd=TnlWNVBqM2cyMk1wVXcwdytmM2crdz09 Meeting ID: 137 757 160 PW: CAMP This group will be facilitated by CAMP Rehoboth Youth Coordinator Barbara Antlitz, and co-facilitated by a Youth Peer Leader. (Shout out to our guest speaker, Ms. Jessica Reed, who openly supports her LGBTQ daughter.)

Contact Barbara: bantlitz@camprehoboth.com for more information.

CAMP TALK—YOU TALK, WE LISTEN We know right now is a stressful time for many of our community members.

Sometimes you just need someone to talk to and process what is going on in the world and in your life. We are now providing free one-time online sessions with our licensed clinical team. To sign up for a 45-minute session, please email Salvatore Seeley at Salvatore@camprehoboth.com RECOVERY GROUPS AT CAMP REHOBOTH Due to the continued concern regarding COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), CAMP Rehoboth is closed at this time. AA groups have moved online. You can find local AA online groups by going to sussexaa.org/meetings/. You can also email Sussex County local chapters at: support@sussexaa.org The following classes are made possible through the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Tobacco Prevention Community Contract. Funding for the contract is provided by the Delaware Health Fund and managed by the American Lung Association in Delaware.

Letters 20 APRIL 17, 2020

CHAIR YOGA ⊲ Tuesdays | 10:30 a.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/ meeting/register/vJModOmvqDIo0M-V6vAINAQ6-xARGfogFQ Everyone can access the health benefits of yoga in this Chair Yoga class with Erin. She’ll guide you to synchronize conscious breath and mindful movement. The sequence of poses is designed to energize and strengthen as well as relax and lengthen muscles.

Reduce anxiety and stress, improve circulation, protect joints, build strength and balance, and support your overall well-being. Yoga can also help reduce cravings and simply make you feel good.

YOGA FOR EVERYONE! ⊲ Thursdays | 10:30 a.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/ meeting/register/upUpfu-prjovhW3_83axsh97twAgKDfFmw In this light and interactive virtual yoga session, Athena will guide participants of all ages through a full 45-minute yoga session. Beginning with breath work and an introduction to meditation, Athena leads the class through a sequence of yoga asanas (poses) intended to be easily accessible to every viewer. The class includes suggestions for developing a yoga practice at home. The class concludes with a series of cooling poses leading into the calming rest position of savasana. This yoga session is a light and uplifting addition to any day.

Yoga reduces anxiety and cravings while supporting overall well being.

TIME TO FINALLY KICK THE SMOKING HABIT ⊲ Mondays, April 20 & 27 | 1-3 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/ meeting/register/vpYpduyorzstgCDB8UaipHby-sQoJ8NJGQ Learn various holistic techniques to help finally stop smoking. We will discuss

auricular acupressure, herbal teas, breathing techniques, and the Emotional Freedom Tapping technique. While many of us are home together due to the COVID-19 pandemic, invite anyone in your house who is still smoking to join the Zoom session. Support one another and quit together!

CLEAR OUT THE MIND CLUTTER AND RAISE YOUR VIBE WITH SIMPLE JOURNALING AND MANTRA ⊲ Mondays, April 20 & 27 | 10:30 a.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/ meeting/register/vJQqdeuvrzwuBDx09SdBh28G64Bc5D6kTA Led by local shamanic practitioner Athena Allread, where she’ll guide everyone through some fun and interactive deep-dive journaling and meditation exercises. Using guided meditation, calm and settle the mind and begin to declutter and reorder everything that’s taking space. Dealing with anxiety and/ or lack of motivation? Join the collective in releasing any harmful and toxic thoughts and energies getting in the way of clarity and higher vibrational thoughts. Leave feeling clear, and ready to spread the good vibes.

Athena Allread, 200RYT, is co-owner of Lanikai Wellness Studio in Milton.

Having taught yoga to all ages from toddlers to teens to seniors for nearly a decade, Athena brings a very lighthearted approach to traditional Ashtanga yoga and makes it comfortable and easy to follow for all ages.▼

HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM DIRECTOR Salvatore Seeley HIV CTR COUNSELORS Jerry Filbin, Allen Cuff, Niki Nicholson, Alan Spiegelman THRIVE YOUTH COORDINATOR Barbara Antlitz

STEPS AHEAD AND BY YOUR SIDE ALL THE WAY.

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Letters 7.5 x 10

APRIL 17, 2020

21 Letters

CAMPStories

BY RICH BARNETT

One Kiss Last week, I was planning to join LGBTQ writers at the Saints & Sinners Literary Festival in New Orleans. I was excited that I’d been invited to read a piece of my writing. As the festival grew closer and COVID-19 expanded from epidemic to pandemic and people were getting sick and dying while the president sat on his fat ass and fiddled, I couldn’t help but see eerie parallels to another killer virus. I’m sure some of you have too.

Of course, we don’t see the extreme indifference, cruelty, shame, and suffering surrounding COVID-19 as we did with AIDS. Nevertheless, the new virus inspired me to write a piece for the festival about the AIDS virus, and I want to share it here. I call it “One Kiss.”

T

here were no balloons or flowers in the stark white room at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. No caring nurse had taped cute “get well” cards to the walls. There was instead a big red warning sign plastered on the door of the room, like something outside a lab in a sci-fi movie. Bobby Jack’s mother gave me a hug when I entered, thankful to see a friendly face and grateful for an opportunity to escape to the hospital cafeteria for a cup of coffee and a cigarette.

I wasn’t prepared for the sight of my best friend wheezing beneath a clear plastic oxygen mask, so I opened the can of tennis balls I’d brought along. For a brief moment the familiar smell of rubber and wool filled the antiseptic room.

I placed a bright yellow ball in Bobby Jack’s hand and wrapped his fingers around its fuzzy nap. Then I wrapped my hands around his. Unable to speak, he just stared up at me with his big dark brown eyes. Jackrabbit eyes I called them because that’s what they looked like to me, opened real wide and never moving, never blinking, whenever he was startled or worried.

“We’ll play just as soon as you get out of here,” I said.

Tennis had always been the thing that bonded us together and provided an Letters 22 APRIL 17, 2020

acceptable reason for two boys to spend so much time together. On the court, he pretended to be John McEnroe because he had curly hair and liked to wear a headband. I bleached my hair blonde with lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide and hit a two-handed backhand like my tennis idol Bjorn Borg. The funny thing was that Bobby Jack was stoic and polite while I was the one who cussed and threw my racquet when I botched an easy over-

By the time I was ready to make my move…Bobby Jack had passed out. head or double faulted at a key moment.

Bobby Jack knew he’d never set foot on a tennis court again. Nonetheless, he kept holding the tennis ball, and I kept squeezing his hand, too afraid of the mysterious AIDS virus destroying his body to do the one thing I wanted most and that was to give him a kiss.

The first time I wanted to kiss Bobby Jack was after the Homecoming Dance in our junior year of high school. My date had been all hair and perfume and I’d munched on her chrysanthemum corsage for laughs and to distract her because I most certainly didn’t want to kiss her. After we dropped off our dates, Bobby Jack and I got in the old yellow Thunderbird he shared with his brother to go driving around and drink some beer. The car had a killer sound system and we listened to Meatloaf’s “Bat out of Hell” on cassette tape, talking way into the wee hours about our desires to get out of bumblefuck southwestern Virginia.

It would have been easy to kiss him.

Even Meatloaf on the car stereo was urging me on to first base. But I couldn’t.

Something held me back. To make such a move and be rejected would have been devastating. And even though I felt certain he felt the same way, it was still too risky. I had a plan—high grades, a varsity

letter in tennis, president of the Honor Society, and stellar teacher recommendations—to propel me into a top-notch university. Nothing could disrupt that plan.

The second time I almost kissed him was two years later at the university where I had gone to study history. It had been one of those magnificent orange and blue fall afternoons and Bobby Jack and I had spent it dressed in coats and ties and drinking bourbon and Cokes at a football game with brothers of dear old Theta Chi where I was a pledge. Now we were drunk and eating pizza while sitting on the floor of my dorm room.

After a few months away from home, I was shedding my provincial skin and becoming someone new, someone adventuresome who listened to the B-52s and could craft bongs from beer cans. Hell, I had even slept with a few girls. How hard was it going to be to kiss my friend? By the time I was ready to make my move, though, Bobby Jack had passed out. The moment passed. I put a pillow under his head and climbed into my bed alone. The next morning we went for bagels and then he drove back to his college. Life went on. I kissed some boys. He kissed some boys.

I watched him now struggling to breathe. If I had kissed him would things have turned out differently? Would we have become boyfriends? Traveled to see the green grass of Wimbledon and the red clay of Roland-Garros like we planned? Moreover, could it have saved him from the path of the virus on its relentless march south through the valleys of Virginia?

We sat in silence in that cold hospital room, holding hands until a nurse came in, took the tennis ball, and shooed me out. Bobby Jack died soon thereafter. It was the summer of 1987, and we were 26 years old.

One kiss. It should have been so easy. ▼ Rich Barnett is the author of The Discreet Charms of a Bourgeois Beach Town, and Fun with Dick and James.

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APRIL 17, 2020

23 Letters

✻

Pop the Question

✻

What is something you have enjoyed about being in quarantine?

For the first time ever, I’m not having to explain to people that I don’t treat skin diseases or insects.

Epidemiology is finally having a moment in the popular press!

I finally learned Facetime, but I am appalled at how my many chins fill the iPad screen. ... ✻ ...

FAY JACOBS CAMP OUT COLUMNIST

... ✻ ...

MARJ SHANNON HEALTH & WELLNESS COLUMNIST

I’ve discovered that re-reading F. Scott Fitzgerald works better than any sleeping pill. ... ✻ ...

RICH BARNETT CAMP STORIES COLUMNIST

We have scheduled weekly Zoom calls with our family members. Being able to not only see their faces but also be intentional about staying in touch so frequently, it has helped to keep us smiling amidst all this uncertainty.

We count our blessings every day for being able to get support from our birth AND chosen families. ... ✻ ...

WES COMBS WES COMBS, CAMP REHOBOTH BOARD MEMBER

Letters 24 APRIL 17, 2020

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25 Letters

WE REMEMBER

GARY C. MEEHAN May 03 1945 - March 02, 2020 Gary passed away after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer in arms of his loving husband Joseph Skarzynski. Gary loved life and enjoyed hosting parties as well as attending them.

Gary is predeceased by his mother Ann Muller Meehan, his father Alex Meehan, his partner of over 43 years Frank Silver and is survived by brothers Howard of Santa Fe New Mexico, and Glenn from Portland Oregon.

Gary grew up in Long Island, before moving to Fort Lee New Jersey, and later to Rehoboth Beach. Once he met the love of his life and husband Joseph, they moved to Fort Lauderdale where they lived for the past seven years.

Gary was President of The Black Tie, Internationals New York Chapter for over ten years, and later became a member of the Fort Lauderdale chapter He was a/so a sought after interior designer, working for some of the leaders in the entertainment and business world in and around the greater New York area Family and friends are invited to join his husband Joe Skarzynski and share their memories of Gary on Sunday, October 04, 2020, from 11am to 2pm at the Kings Creek Country Club in Rehoboth Beach (date subject to change based on directives from the Delaware Board of Health).

For more information and RSVP, please email G.Coscia@comcast.net Donations can be made in Gary's name to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org Letters 26 APRIL 17, 2020

Life is GREAT at the Beach!

Contact your LOCAL Real Estate Expert

Eric Atkins REALTOR®

Cell: 302-727-1456 Office: 302-703-6987 Email: eatkins@psre.com Licensed in Delaware

DEBeachHome.com

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

302-227-9481

APRIL 17, 2020

27 Letters

The REAL DIRT

BY ERIC W. WAHL

Color Your World “The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies.”

— GERTRUDE JEKYLL

K

nown for her attention to color and for massing plants for maximum impact, Gertrude Jekyll was a force to be reckoned with in the horticultural and landscape design world. Designing over 300 gardens, mostly in the United Kingdom but some in France and in the United States as well, she influenced many designers and artists that came after her.

Talented in numerous fields, including art, photography, and writing, Gertrude Jekyll not only designed gardens but also published books and developed her own photography. A master in every field she practiced, she is perhaps best known for the English style gardens that she created.

I’d like to spend some time talking about her use of two design elements she employed throughout her work: color and mass, as evident in her gardens at Lindisfarne Castle, shown here. Perhaps no other design elements, when combined, produce such dramatic results. Small gardens as well as large benefit from the marriage of these two principles.

When working with color, there are many ways to express it in the garden. One can have a monochromatic scheme where one color is emphasized throughout the yard. This can be accomplished with both flower color and leaf color. For example, a white-themed garden can be expressed by using numerous flowering shrubs and perennials that bloom shades of white. In addition, there are many types of plants that have variegated leaves, or leaves that have differing tones in their colors, some that include white streaks. Other plants have a greyish hue to their leaves that can be combined in this color theme.

Color can also be used as a progression in the garden.

Since certain plants have their own cycles of bloom time, one can plan a garden for the most impact during specific times of the year. Typically, spring blooming flowers are cooler hues of blues, whites, purples, and pinks. Summer flowers are usually warmer, with yellow, reds, and oranges. These tend to overlap in the autumn months with the addition of earth tones from the changing leaf colors. There are exceptions to this, but if one observes the garden over time, there is a definite pattern to the colors coupled with the changing seasons.

Massing plants in the garden also plays a big role when it comes to impact. You may have noticed someone’s front yard as you drive or walk by and always say how beautiful or impressive it is. It may be due to them having massed shrubs and perennials that force your eye to move through the space from point to point, and resting for a bit before moving onto the next.

When there are too many individual plants competing for the eye to see, it becomes chaotic.

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Combining these two elements, color and mass, guarantees a statement in the garden. Think about grouping shrubs in odd numbers, like three Pinky Winky Hydrangeas or five Sunburst St. Johns Wort. By grouping similar shrubs together, the garden fills in much faster and the structure of the garden will take shape. Grouping perennials is probably the easiest and least expensive way to fill in the garden. Groups of five, seven, or more plants like Blackeyed Susan, Siberian Iris, Hosta, or Phlox will provide big impact and also help to cover the ground plane, which will help to suppress weeds.

This spring, try combining these two elements of design in your own yards and watch your neighbors stand a while on the sidewalk while enjoying your garden oasis. Stay safe, and let’s garden together! ▼ Eric W. Wahl is the Landscape Architect at Element Design Group and President of the Delaware Native Plant Society.

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

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

We’re all in this together.

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

Get to a better State®.

1211006

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

SERVING YOUR GOURMET NEEDS 4-8 NIGHTLY Full Menu Takeout and Curbside Delivery With ChowNow FOR DELIVERY GO TO JustInThymeRestaurant.com or get the Chownow App Telephone: 301-227-3100 • www.justinthymerestaurant.com 38163 Robinsons Drive • Rehoboth Beach (the corner of Hwy. 1 & Robinsons Drive)

APRIL 17, 2020

29 Letters

The Faces of Delaware Hospice Richard grew up in Eastern Europe during the 1940s. By the 1950s, Richard and his family were on a Liberty ship headed for New York City. Later in life, Richard was diagnosed with cancer. In an effort to avoid trips to the emergency room, Richard called Delaware Hospice. At our first visit, he was unable to get out of bed. Richard began receiving home-based hospice services from Delaware Hospice’s expert team and was soon able to get up from his seat on the porch and walk to the dining room to talk with friends and family. Three months from his first call, he was strong enough to attend his grandson’s wedding!

If you or a loved one is dealing with a serious illness, Delaware Hospice can play a critical role in assuring that the journey is positive.

delawarehospice.org | 800.838.9800

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

An AwardWinning Book by Rich Barnett

Rich Barnett

Includes drink recipes!

Look for it at Browseabout Books and One Day at a Time Gift Shop Letters 30 APRIL 17, 2020

Explore Springpoint Choice from the safety and comfort of your own home!

Springpoint Choice is a program for active, independent, healthy adults who are planning for the future. Members who join Springpoint Choice will benefit from care coordination of future long-term care needs while gaining access to Springpoint’s network of long-term care services and personalized health and wellness programs.

For a great introduction to the program, check out our blog post, “A Retirement Community That Comes to You,” adapted from a November 2019 New York Times article: https://springpointchoice.org/times.

es to You for years, That Com es ommunity mbers live in their own hous C t en m re me A Reti programs, e at-home

OLD AGE THE NEW

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By Paula Spa . 8, 2019 Published Nov . 10, 2019 Updated Nov

g to her ailing nt years tendin all three Basso had spe point, Carole Ann band; at one ey disabled hus thern New Jers nor her parents and in e hospice car were receiving home. . Basso, a l,” recalled Ms redibly stressfu cher. “I didn’t want to “It was so inc y tea school histor ” . retired high ess zin en that cra give my childr side town of the small bay band’s relocated to ents’ and hus So when she 2, after her par 201 d. At 69, in l., De d on her min Lewes, icy and future weighe ths, her own ome care e insurance pol dea car at-h an erm ed g-t a lon ich had Basso, 76, join house, where Ms. Basso had nt savings, wh Carole Ann to stay in her . sion, but sca e Gustafson for t allows her a modest pen er-cost region program tha on her. Michell or” checks in move to a low a “care navigat prompted her in long-term es ion Tim opt k a ut another The New Yor abo rd hea lls. Typically, she . without wa ?” In Lewes, es: a C.C.R.C care of myself living, a mement communiti ndent living to assisted going to take care retirem , “How am I epe e programs, ing red ind om tinu nde m at-h wo fro con e g ft She shi rin ing car by a few pionee or campus where residents ty decline. But in continu care offered x mobili rates a comple ir health and own houses.

C.C.R.C. ope table ranch g home if the years in their t or a nursin in her comfor ndent living stay epe to ind ory-care uni her the ” checks in t allows entially spend “care navigator, nt Choice tha members ess lloughby, her led Springpoi Wi cal ne m Dia gra a. so joined a pro setter named Princess Lei Bas .

Ms 5, lish In 201 uires help also-aging Eng eventually req house with an good. If she needs. e home aides. years — or for monitor her m will provid regularly to her home for y remain in ng, the progra ma livi ly 76, es, the dai now Lew of ngs at . Basso, activities fees of The Moori With luck, Ms ssing or other so-called and monthly o the campus dre e entrance fee can move ont with bathing, Her one-tim l insurance pay e, Ms. Basso y. nta hom awa me at ple cks ly a few blo and her sup ger live safe nity are lon mu dic no com Me can , while If she retirement e or on campus tinuing care affiliated con e costs, at hom long-term car will cover her e. car al dic me . nearly 2000 for so said the country, urity,” Ms. Bas e added y few. Across a feeling of sec en states, hav re are still ver “It gives you in about a doz the 1990s, the to 32, e ly dat On . ms nts ome progra ,000 reside at-h 745 e ut som abo Though , serve conflict: stly nonprofits to a perpetual C.C.R.C.’s, mo possible answer leaving their homes. grams. approach, a of at-home pro sidering this the thought zations are con erm care, but often loathe in ani org Kev ng ,” said ior livi d long-t to a community Fla. But more sen likely to nee Cape Coral, to transition ans are very C.C.R.C. in y don’t want Older Americ in place; the ast Village, a lly Co lf sfu Gu ces to t to age suc , connected wan me ple Ho at peo e “Most Choic wing that grams.” o heads Senior at-home pro documents sho ’s disease, Ahmadi, wh ng future for ive financial there’s a stro or Parkinson s and extens “We believe like dementia medical record gical diseases, vide years of pro rolo st neu mu e licants gressiv To enroll, app rd the fees. Pro ive director of and can affo dman, execut they’re healthy said Cecily Lai applicants. st five years,” . will disqualify nth vices for at lea mo ser t nex any ting g needin years or the instead of wai they won’t be ld arise in 15 in their 70s, ved “We assume that need cou mbers enroll if they had mo Choice. But ause many me period than bec , ger e. lon Springpoint said a car an d for dm program re apt to nee ncially, Ms. Lai paying into the r years, when they’re mo ms work fina 80s. They’re late ir Such progra the ers’ in mb community invest for me to move to a programs to , allowing the into a facility

Springpoint Choice: • protects you from escalating long-term care costs • provides first-class senior care if needed • offers a full complement of services to support you throughout your lifetime • is affiliated with our vibrant continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs)

For more information, call us at 302-313-6658 We’d love to hear from you!

17028 Cadbury Circle, Lewes, DE 19958 • springpointchoice.org APRIL 17, 2020

31 Letters

Q Puzzle The Boys in the Band ACROSS 1 Masticate 5 Leathermen ride them 9 Banana treat 14 Jamie who cross-dressed on M*A*S*H 15 Current Amsterdam currency 16 Linney of Tales of the City 17 Early Ron Howard role 18 ___ all-time high 19 Spear of Minnesota 20 Start of a quote by Mart Crowley (1935-2020) 23 Out on a limb 24 Club where you can dance with a sailor 25 The Rose star Bette 28 Month in Madrid 30 ___ & the Gang 34 Erotic diarist Nin 35 More of the quote 37 More of the quote 39 Org. in many spy movies 40 Always, to Emily Dickinson 41 Math subject 42 Avoided going straight 44 Inventor’s monogram 45 Velvet finish 46 Poet ___ Wu 47 Jeremy of M. Butterfly 49 Press package from HRC 50 Kofi Annan’s home 53 End of the quote

Solution on Page 77 59 60 61 63 64 65 66 67 68

Kahlo portrayer Luminous Historic Stonewall event One with a holey bottom Depp’s cross-dressing role Locker room emanation Where to start out Since, to James M. Barrie Say, “We’re just friends...” perhaps

DOWN 1 Handler of big bucks, in brief 2 Drag queen ___ Phace 3 Julia Roberts’ Brockovich 4 Sweaty guys embracing in a ring 5 Eavesdropper, e.g.

6 Bellybutton type 7 2015 Tomlin movie 8 Carol, for example 9 Puts in stitches, like Wanda Sykes 10 Boxer of the comics 11 Knockout 12 Coward’s confession?

13 Tart taste 21 Pink Triangle ___ 22 “G’day!” sayer 25 Dull surface 26 Harden 27 “Queen of the Hop” singer Bobby

29 Env. fattener 31 The ___ beat (passive partner?)

32 Rehoboth Beach setting 33 Pluck ‘em!

35 Tales of the City character 36 On the decline 38 Good to eat 43 Club dancer 46 Box office buy 48 Boston leather bar 49 He stole the tarts of the Queen of Hearts 51 Iroquoian tongue 52 Cell component 53 Facetious “I see” 54 Gladly, old-style 55 Seaman’s pair 56 ___ guys (Robin Hood’s men?)

57 Baldwin staffer 58 Time for cowboys to shoot off 62 “I’ll ___ anything once”

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Letters 32 APRIL 17, 2020

FENWICK ISLAND

APRIL 17, 2020

33 Letters

Dining In

BY ERIC WAHL

Time to Stay In

M

any of us may be experiencing something new in our lives right now: the act of cooking every meal for ourselves at home. For some, this may be no big deal; for others—not so much. We at Letters thought this time around, we’d offer a new perspective on our Dining Out segment and focus instead on Dining In. You may recognize my name from my column, “The Real Dirt”, where I provide information and tips for gardeners and gardeners at heart. I also love to be in the kitchen, either baking some tasty treats or cooking a dinner for two. In some cases, I combine these passions.

I’m a blend of Ina Garten for her pure joy of food, Sandra Lee for her semi-homemade easiness, and Vivian Howard for her tying food to seasonality and sense of place. I’m also very much my German and Serbian roots, so a lot of stick-to-your-ribs dishes and hearty meals.

There’s not one ounce of Italian in me, but my Chicken Parmesan has become a standard meal in our home.

Ending the dinner with a slice of rum cake is sure to satisfy. So here, for your pleasure, is an easy dish made with simple ingredients that doesn’t require all day in the kitchen. It’s paired with a semi-homemade dessert that’s so easy you’ll be making it every week.▼ Eric W. Wahl, The Cook and the Gardener on Facebook

Chicken Parmesan with Bolognese FOR THE CHICKEN

DIRECTIONS

4 chicken breasts, thin-sliced or butterflied and flattened

Chicken: Get three bowls (8x8 baking dishes work well too). Place flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper and season the eggs with a little of both as well. Then try and keep a ‘dry’ hand and a ‘wet’ hand for the chicken process. I usually suck at it, so I get gobs of flour and egg on my fingers, but I don’t care because I’m enjoying myself. Flour each breast and shake off excess, then dip into egg and allow excess to drip off. Then drop in breadcrumbs and press crumbs into chicken, making sure it sticks well. Set aside on large plate and continue to dredge all chicken pieces. Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet until a small bit of breadcrumb dropped into it begins to bubble. Fry the chicken pieces in batches about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Chicken does not have to be cooked through as it will continue to cook in oven later. Drain on paper towels.

½ cup flour for dredging 2 eggs for dredging, beaten 1 cup each of seasoned breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs, mixed, for coating Salt and pepper 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup grated Parmesan for topping chicken FOR THE BOLOGNESE 1 lb Favorite sausage or ground beef 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves minced ½ diced green pepper 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste 1 cup red wine, (for deglazing pan—may substitute beef/vegetable broth) 1 can (14-oz) diced tomatoes 1 can (28-oz) crushed tomatoes 1 can (24-oz) spaghetti sauce, (I use either garlic-herb or chunky vegetable) 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning 1 tbsp dried or 2 tbsp fresh, chopped parsley 2 bay leaves Sprinkle of nutmeg 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp red wine vinegar

Letters 34 APRIL 17, 2020

Bolognese: Sauté onions and green pepper in a little olive oil until just starting to get tender.

Add in ground beef and brown until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper along the way. Drain excess grease and return to heat.

Add tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook until mixture begins to stick and brown on bottom of pan. Deglaze with wine or broth and stir up all those tasty bits. Add in diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and sauce. Add in the rest of the ingredients except for vinegar.

Stir to combine and allow to simmer until all flavors are blended, about 30 minutes. This means you need to taste it! Adjust seasoning to taste. Finish with the vinegar in order to add a bit of acidity and freshness at the end.

Put it together: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place chicken in a large baking dish and top with Bolognese on each piece. Sprinkle tops with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve with a side salad or your favorite pasta, and a big chunk of garlic bread.

“Cooking at home shows such affection. In a bad economy, it’s more important to make yourself feel good.” – INA GARTEN My mom makes this rum cake around the holidays, but I’ve been leaning on it as an emotional pick-me-up in turbulent times. She makes it in mini loaf pans and saturates it with glaze so you can get drunk on just a few pieces. I make it in a Bundt® pan because it’s pretty, and I’m all about the visual.

Rum Cake FOR THE CAKE

DIRECTIONS

1 cup chopped pecans

Spray bottom and sides of pan with baking spray. Sprinkle pecans in the bottom of the pan (add boozy cherries for decoration too).

Combine cake mix, pudding, eggs, water, oil, and ½ cup of the rum.

1 box yellow cake mix 1 box instant vanilla pudding 4 eggs ½ cup water ½ cup vegetable oil ½ cup rum FOR THE GLAZE

1 stick of butter ¼ cup water 1 cup sugar ½ cup rum

Pour into pan and bake at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 1 hour in the pan, then invert it onto a platter. For the glaze, melt butter, add water and sugar and boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Take off heat and add ½ cup rum. Poke cake with toothpick and baste with glaze until it all saturates the cake.

APRIL 17, 2020

35 Letters

Letters 36 APRIL 17, 2020

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

Shirley Kalvinsky 302-236-4254

shirley@jacklingo.com

Randy Mason

302-236-1142

randy@jacklingo.com

Top-Producing REALTORS representing both BUYERS and SELLERS.

Partner with Success www.HomesOfRehoboth.com

Your good neighbor for banking too.

Your financial health is about a lot more than insurance. That’s why State Farm Bank® makes it easy to manage your money too, with 24/7 online banking at statefarm.com®. Ask us about Checking accounts, Money Market Savings accounts and more.

CALL US TODAY.

Jeanine O’Donnell, Agent State Farm Agent 16583 Coastal Hwy Lewes, DE 19958 Bus: 302-644-3276 Eric Blondin, Agent State Farm Agent 18958 Coastal Highway Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Bus: 302-227-4663

statefarm.com® 1706504

State Farm Bank, F.S.B. Bloomington, IL APRIL 17, 2020

37 Letters

Letters 38 APRIL 17, 2020

APRIL 17, 2020

39 Letters

CAMP REHOBOTH BEACH GUIDE BEACH AREA LODGING

CALL IN ADVANCE

services may be disrupted by COVID-19

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

At Melissa’s B&B, 36 Delaware Ave...............................................302-227-7504 Atlantic Sands Hotel, Boardwalk & Baltimore Ave.........................302-227-2511 Atlantis Inn, 154 Rehoboth Ave.....................................................302-227-9446 Breakers Hotel, 105 2nd St & Baltimore Ave.................................302-227-6688 Canalside Inn, 34 6th St.................................................................866-412-2625 Rehoboth Guest House, 40 Maryland Ave.....................................302-227-4117 Sea ‘n Stars Guest Suites, 44 Delaware Ave.................................302-226-2742 Summer Place Hotel, 1st St & Olive Ave........................................302-226-0766 The Shore Inn, 37239 Rehoboth Ave Ext.......................................302-227-8487

LEWES FOOD & DRINK Go Brit, 18388 Coastal Hwy...........................................................302-644-2250 Matt’s Fish Camp, 34401 Tenley Ct...............................................302-644-2267

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

SERVICES AT THE BEACH REHOBOTH RETAIL SHOPS Atlantic Jewelry, 313 S. Boardwalk...............................................302-226-0675 Browseabout Books, 133 Rehoboth Ave.......................................302-226-2665 Gallery 50, 50 Wilmington Ave......................................................302-227-2050 New Wave Spas, 20660 Coastal Hwy............................................302-227-8484 Ocean Boulevard Furniture, 19803 Hebron Rd.............................302-645-2626 One Day At A Time Gifts, 46-B Baltimore Ave................................302-212-5632 Shademakers, 33 Baltimore Ave....................................................302-226-2222 Unfinished Business, Rt. 1 behind Panera Bread..........................302-645-8700

REHOBOTH FOOD & DRINK 1776 Steakhouse, Midway Shopping Center................................302-645-9355 Back Porch Café, 59 Rehoboth Ave...............................................302-227-3674 Blue Moon, 35 Baltimore Ave........................................................302-227-6515 Café Azafran, 18 Baltimore Ave.....................................................302-227-8100 Café Papillon, Penny Lane Mall......................................................302-227-7568 Diego’s Bar Nightclub, 37298 Rehoboth Ave................................302-227-0818 Dos Locos, 208 Rehoboth Ave............................................. 302-227-3353 Go Fish, 24 Rehoboth Ave..............................................................302-226-1044 Goolee’s Grille, 11 South 1st St.....................................................302-227-7653 Iguana Grill, 52 Baltimore Ave.......................................................302-727-5273 Just In Thyme, 38163 Robinsons Dr..............................................302-227-3100 Lori’s Café, 39 Baltimore Ave.........................................................302-226-3066 Loves Liquors, LLC, 305c Rehoboth Ave........................................302-227-6966 Lupo Italian Kitchen, 247 Rehoboth Ave.......................................302-226-2240 Palate Bistro, 19266 Coastal Hwy.................................................302-249-8489 Penny Lane Liquors, 42 Rehoboth Ave..........................................302-567-5245 Purple Parrot Grill, 134 Rehoboth Ave...........................................302-226-1139 Rigby’s, 404 Rehoboth Ave............................................................302-227-6080 Shorebreak Lodge, 10 Wilmington Ave.........................................302-227-1007 The Pines, 56 Baltimore Avenue....................................................302-567-2726 The Pond, First & Rehoboth Ave....................................................302-227-2234

Letters 40 APRIL 17, 2020

BUILDING/CLEANING/REMODELING/LANDSCAPING

A.G. Renovations ...........................................................................302-947-4096 Country Life Homes, 34882 Picnic Basket Ct................................302-231-5001 Randall-Douglas.............................................................................302-245-1439 Ron’s Repairs..................................................................................302-727-3591

CHURCHES/SYNAGOGUES

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

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

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

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

COUNSELING/THERAPY/LIFE COACH

Jewish Family Services........................................................ 302-478-9411 Karen Abato, ATR-BC, LPAT, Licensed Art Psychotherapist... 302-232-5330 Kevin J. Bliss, Personal/Professional Coaching.............................302-754-1954

ENTERTAINMENT

Jazz SEAduction music, Valerie McNickol............................ 302-381-6707

ERRANDS/PERSONAL NEEDS

Alternative Lifestyle Services.........................................................302-727-2050

EVENT PLANNING/CATERING

Big Fish Catering................................................................. 302-226-5500 Flair................................................................................................302-930-0709 Palate Bistro & Catering.................................................................302-249-8489 Plate Catering.................................................................................302-644-1200

FINANCIAL SERVICES

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

FLORISTS

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

FUNERAL SERVICES

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

HAIR SALONS/TATTOO & PIERCING

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

HEALTH-RELATED

AIDS Delaware – Kent & Sussex Counties.....................................302-226-3519 AIDS Delaware – New Castle County............................................302-652-6776 AIDS Hotline – Delaware statewide...............................................800-422-0429 Brandywine Urology Consultants...................................................302-824-7039 Beebe Healthcare, 26744 J.J. Williams Hwy.................................302-645-3300 CAMPsafe AIDS education & prevention program of CAMP Rehoboth........................................................................302-227-5620 Christiana Care HIV Wellness Clinic ..............................................302-933-3420

Christiana Care LGBTQ Health Initiatives.......................................302-733-1227 Delaware HIV Consortium - Statewide..........................................302-654-5471 Delaware Hospice..........................................................................800-838-9800 Delaware Total Foot & Ankle Center.................................... 302-297-8431 National Alliance on Mental Illness of DE (NAMI)...........................302-427-0787 Rehoboth Beach Dental, 19643 Blue Bird Ln....................... 302-226-0300 Steven B. Wright, D.M.D., 18912 J.J. Williams Hwy............. 302-645-6671 The Aesthetic Center......................................................................302-827-2125

INSURANCE

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

LEGAL/ACCOUNTING/TRUST SERVICES

Lawson Firm, 402 Rehoboth Ave...................................................302-226-3700 Steven Falcone CPA, Taxes & Planning..........................................302-644-8634

LOCKSMITHS

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

MASSAGE THERAPY/FITNESS

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

PET RETAIL

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

PET SERVICES

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

REAL ESTATE

Allen Jarmon, RE/MAX, 317 Rehoboth Ave...................................302-227-4800 Bill Peiffer, Patterson Schwartz, 18958 Coastal Hwy....................302-703-6987 Chris Beagle, Berkshire Hathaway, 37230 Rehoboth Ave............302-227-6101 Debbie Reed Team, 319 Rehoboth Ave.........................................800-263-5648 Donna Whiteside, Berkshire Hathaway, 16712 Kings Hwy...........302-381-4871 Eric Atkins, Patterson-Schwartz, 18958 Coastal Hwy...................302-727-1456 Hugh Fuller, Realtor........................................................................302-745-1866 John Black, Patterson Schwartz, 18958 Coastal Hwy...................302-703-6987 Lana Warfield, Berkshire Hathaway, 37230 Rehoboth Ave...........302-227-6101 Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, 16698 Kings Hwy....................... 302-645-6664 Lingo Realty, 246 Rehoboth Ave....................................................302-227-3883 McGuiness Group, 246 Rehoboth Ave...........................................302-227-3883 Randy Mason/Shirley Kalvinsky, Lingo Realty................................302-227-3883 Sea Bova Associates, 20250 Coastal Hwy........................... 302-227-1222 Troy Roberts, Mann & Sons, 414 Rehoboth Ave............................302-228-7422

TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

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

POPULAR LGBTQ BEACHES

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

APRIL 17, 2020

41 Letters

community pride financial 28-02_Layout 1 3/30/2018 1:38 PM Page 1

– CAMPCritters –

COMMUNITY PRIDE FINANCIAL ADVISORS, L.L.C. •STOCKS •BONDS •MUTUAL FUNDS •LIFE INSURANCE •ANNUITIES

— BODE MILLER — Bode Miller, a 16-pound tuxedo, lives with his sister, Misty Mae, in Rehoboth Beach. His owners, Jennifer and Diane, appropriately named him after the Olympic downhill skier.

FUN FACT Besides being crazy wild, he really thinks he’s a dog. He loves to greet the UPS and FedEx people at the door. Of course, it’s usually a package for him!

Interested in having your critter featured in Letters?

Send a high resolution picture (300 dpi) along with its name and one fun fact to editor@camprehoboth.com.

Letters 42 APRIL 17, 2020

Complete Financial Planning Services for our Community Alexander G. Yearley, CFP 72 Glade Circle East Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Tel 302.227.2939 Fax 302.227.2398 E-mail:alex@communitypridefinancial.com

Web:www.communitypridefinancial.com

Registered Representative. Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Community Pride Financial Advisors, LLC and Cambridge are not affiliated.

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

D E E N E W R SUPPORT

YOU

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

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

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

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

APRIL 17, 2020

43 Letters

CAMP Cheers!

QUARANTINI Rich Barnett

saved souls 28-02_Layout 1 3/30/2018 2:15 PM Page 1

Quarantini Dip the edges of a martini glass in fresh lemon juice and then dip again in ultrafine sugar.

Squeeze juice of 10 lemons into a cocktail shaker. Add four ounces of vodka and fill with large ice cubes.

Vigorously shake for at least 40 shakes.

Strain into a martini glass and add a thinly sliced lemon round to float on top.

Ask Alexa to play Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” and turn it up really loud.

Repeat as often as needed.

Letters 44 APRIL 17, 2020

Insight ZERH Certified Home ENERGY STAR® Certified Home Existing Home

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APRIL 17, 2020 45 Letters

WE REMEMBER

Beth Sara Greenapple

B

eth Greenapple, an active member of Jewish communities across the country from New York to Detroit, passed away in her home on the evening of March 2, 2020 after a long battle with brain cancer. She was 62.

Originally hailing from New York’s Long Island, she was the first child of Larry Greenapple and Emily Schneider Greenapple, of blessed memory. After attending Carnegie Mellon, Mannes College of Music, and the College of New Rochelle, she spent many years teaching at various schools in New York State including Solomon Schechter.

After moving to metropolitan Detroit in 1995, she became a fixture at various Jewish institutions in the area and was known for her passion for music education. A former teacher at Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit and at the Roeper School,

Beth was a lifelong educator and lover of music. As a friend and student of renowned Jewish musician Debbie Friedman, Beth brought her love for music, her singing voice, and her guitar with her wherever she could, making an indelible impact on many in the metro Detroit Jewish community. She was a founding member and early president of the Jewish Gay Network of Michigan, and made huge strides in pushing for the acceptance of LGBT Jews in the local community.

Sara was a loving friend and partner to Julia Pais, devoted mother of Nadav Pais-Greenapple, treasured daughter of Lawrence Greenapple and the late Emily Greenapple, cherished sister of David (Donna) Greenapple and Steven (Bonnie Lauton) Greenapple, proud aunt of Matthew Greenapple, Joshua Greenapple, Benjamin Greenapple, Tyler Anastasio, and Morgan Anastasio. She is also survived by her canine buddy, Mishka, other loving family members, and a world of friends.

Services were held on Thursday, March 5, 2020 in Oak Park, Michigan. ▼

James Douglas Smith

Bruce Mead-e

J

ames Douglas Smith, 84, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2020, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, due to complications from the COVID-19 virus.

He was born December 27, 1935, in Gainesville, Florida, son of the late S. Spalding and Eloise (Douglas) Smith.

Mr. Smith proudly served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War and continued his service in the US federal civil service, culminating in his retirement from the National Institutes of Heath as an endowments supervisory program manager. Travel, friendships, the arts, and Broadway shows were some of his passionate pastimes.

Mr. Smith is recently predeceased by his beloved spouse of 49 years, Ronald Blakely; he is also predeceased by his sisters Eloise S. Haile and Isabel D. Latham. He is survived by his brother, Stephen S. Smith and his wife Colette; his aunt Monica Douglas and family; his nephews Graham and Evans Haile, Randy and Kevin Smith, John and Michael Latham; his nieces Beverly Haile Parrish and Carol Smith Nagel; and close family members David S. Ross and Cynthia C. Ross.

A private interment will be held at Epworth United Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach. Due to state and national health restrictions associated with COVID-19, the family will delay the formal memorial service until later in the summer when family, along with Jim and Ron’s friends, can gather to celebrate their lives at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. ▼ Letters 46 APRIL 17, 2020

B

ruce D. Mead-e died unexpectedly at his home in Georgetown, Delaware on Sunday, March 8, 2020 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer.

He was born on October 29, 1953, in Highland, New York. His was preceded in death by both of his parents, Roy and Mildred Mead.

Bruce graduated from the Culinary Institute of American in New York and loved to make desserts. After moving to Delaware, he was the chef at Café Azafran when it was in Lewes. He then was a line chef at Bay Woods Clubhouse in Millsboro. Bruce also had a dream of opening a restaurant, which he fulfilled when The Upper Crust opened in Georgetown, Delaware.

Bruce met his spouse, Charles Mead-e, on Valentine’s Day 2007, while vacationing in Florida. He leaves behind a brother, Wayne Mead (Waneta), of Norfolk, Virginia; nieces Staci Niblett, of Holly Springs, North Carolina, and her two sons, Miles and Spencer, and Krista (Randall) Davis, of Charleston, South Carolina, and her son Kyle; a nephew, Barry Mead (Stacie), of Pensacola, Florida, and his son, Kyle. He also leaves behind his church family at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown, Delaware.

Bruce will be cremated. A memorial is being planned at a later date, with interment at St. Paul’s columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown. ▼

APRIL 17, 2020 47 Letters

GOOD QUEER FUN by Stefani Deoul

COLUMN A 1.

Janis Ian

2. Tret Fure 3. Emily Saliers 4. “Grethe” Cammermeyer 5. Suzanne Westenhoefer 6. Chely Wright 7. Indigo Girls 8. Sweet Baby J’ai 9. Kate Clinton 10. Cris Williamson 11. Margie Adam

As you might have heard, this year was to be 20 years of Women’s FEST. And while we sadly acknowledge this year won’t be happening, we can still honor its inception, how it changed and morphed, elbowed and grew, by remembering a few of the people who participated along the way.

COLUMN B A. From Deadwood, South Dakota to Rehoboth Beach B. A presenting sponsor who knows how to give a good trip

Q. Better known as Ladies 2000, she keeps us dancing the night away

D. Sang 17 for year 19

R. To jazz things up, there was guitar with a few locals

E. Appeared on the Partridge Family before finding us F. Murmuration Nation touched down in Rehoboth Beach G. A very funny philosopher

12. Karen Williams 13. Sarah McBride

I.

15. Lucie Blue Tremblay 16. Diane Lusk 17. Olivia 18. Broadwalk on the Boardwalk 19. Holly Near 20. Viki Dee

P. The closer I am to fine

C. Our first entertainer (year two) started us off with “We Shall Go Forth”

H. A single white female, looking for a girl like you

14. Vickie Shaw

O. Boas, pink, lavender, and lotsa dollars for Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition

S. Delaware’s own Keynote Speaker T. Self-described “fumerist” (feminist humorist).

First openly lesbian comic to appear on television (1991)

J. Rehoboth’s own headliner K. FEST in April, Roses in November L. Started in Montreal, but found Women’s FEST on her way M. Served in Silence but Keynoted Women’s FEST N. Truth—and comedy—will set you free

ANSWER KEY: 1-D, 2-K, 3-F, 4-M, 5-I, 6-H, 7-P, 8-R, 9-T, 10-A, 11-C, 12-G, 13-S, 14-N, 15-L, 16-Q, 17-B, 18-O, 19-E, 20-J Letters 48 APRIL 17, 2020

REALTY GROUP Allen Jarmon

317 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Cell: 302-745-5122 | Office: 302-227-4800 x3018 Fax: 302-227-2115 | Email: ajarmon@remax.net www.allenjarmon.com

Stay Apart, Together….

THANK YOU to all of

our first responders, and to all of the essential workers that are keeping our country running.

Stay physically apart— and socially together!!

In these unprecedented times we all need to do our part to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, but we don’t need to do it alone. Please maintain social distancing and self-isolation, but reach out to those you know and love through social media, telephone, face-time, video-conferencing or other means. It is a good time to reach out to old friends and acquaintances, as well as loved ones. We will get through these tough times if we all do our part.

And for those who have loved ones in our overwhelmed hospitals, please remember that they are not there alone; they are surrounded by angels in the guise of our incredible health care workers.

APRIL 17, 2020 49 Letters

Being in sync with your partner can take different shapes.

You don’t have to know their every move, but at least learn what you need to know to sync up your safe sex. Take the lead. Talk about it. Know the steps before you take a twirl.

Tune in to Health.

Sponsored by CAMPsafe. © 2006 CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. Photography by Judy Rolfe. For more information, call CAMP Rehoboth at 302-227-5620, the Delaware HIV/STD Hotline at 1-800-422-0429 or the CDC National AIDS Hotline (English) 1-800-CDC-INFO. Funding provided through a contract with Delaware Health and Social Services Division of Public Health. CAMPsafe is a program of CAMP Rehoboth.

Letters 50 APRIL 17, 2020

APRIL 17, 2020 51 Letters

It’s My Life

BY MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

Ten Tips for Successful Quarantining

I

am not good at very many things, but quarantining is one of the few activities at which I excel. Many writers do, as we spend much of our time alone, in our heads, largely unaware of what time or day or even month it is. I’ve been at it for almost 30 years now, and I feel all of this practice has led to this moment. With the majority of my friends experiencing various levels of boredom and restlessness now that they’re faced with this unfamiliar way of life, I have suggestions for how best to cope with the situation based on adapting my work-at-home principles for our new stay-at-home world.

you don’t normally have time for or have been hesitant to try. Come out of this knowing how to whip up pasta alla Norma or make pie crusts Mrs. Smith would envy.

1. Maintain a Routine

5. Go Outside

At the end of every day, I make a schedule for the next one, including everything I want to get done, from the number of words I want to write to doing the laundry and catching up on favorite shows. Crossing these things off the next day gives me visual proof that I’m making progress on projects and getting things accomplished. With work grinding to a halt for so many of us, feel free to include things like “research careers in beekeeping” or “compile a list of mortal enemies” as needed.

2. Get Showered and Dressed

The temptation to stay in your pajamas or sweats all day is difficult to resist, I know. But getting cleaned up and dressed helps set your mind to a different channel, which in turn can help create a mood where you feel as if the day has purpose. Plus, if you get bored, you can put on a fashion show for your pets.

3. Eat Well

Eating should not be a way to combat boredom. However, it can be a fantastic way to keep yourself engaged. Instead of snacking or resorting to meals out of cans because nothing matters anymore, if you have access to ingredients, experiment with new recipes. Try things Letters 52 APRIL 17, 2020

4. Keep Moving

Quarantining, like writing, involves a lot of sitting. And the longer you sit, the more tired, bored, and depressed you can get. When I’m working at my desk for long stretches, I try to get up once an hour, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Since you have the time, consider recreating the dance sequences from your favorite movies in your living room.

Spring is here, and it’s a time of rebirth.

Our yard, for example, is positively bursting with daffodils right now. Several times this week I’ve gone out and just sat, looking at them, reminding myself that beauty flourishes even in times of chaos. If you live in a more urban setting and don’t want to risk it, stick your head out the window and call the time for the benefit of your neighbors.

6. Indulge in Comfort Activities

We all have things that help us regroup when we’re feeling sad or angry or otherwise unwell. Favorite books, music, and movies, particularly those that remind us of times when we felt hopeful, can all help. Make a blanket fort and reread that Beverly Cleary book you loved when you were 10.

7. Limit Social Media

Social media is fantastic for staying in touch during this time of isolation. But it can also be a huge source of stress, anxiety, and anger. If you find things you’re reading are upsetting you, or that you’re becoming prone to leaving outraged comments, step away from the phone or computer. If the daily news is leaving you feeling worse about the world, turn it off.

There is not going to be a pop quiz, so don’t worry about having all the answers.

8. Help Others

Sometimes when we’re feeling hopeless, the most useful thing we can do is offer hope to someone else. Reach out to friends and neighbors, asking if there’s anything you can do for them. Be a positive voice in this time of negativity and fear. If we learn nothing else from this whole experience, we should recognize once and for all how deeply interconnected we all are. Leave cookies and a thank-you note for the UPS delivery person.

9. Ask for Help

Just as we can all reach out to ask what others need, it’s okay to ask for what we need ourselves. Most of us are terrible at this. We don’t want to be a bother. We want to appear strong. It’s okay to say when you’re not okay. If you wake up at 2:00 a.m. afraid and worried, check social media to see if anyone else is up and wants to talk. They will be.

10. Plan for the Future

Many of us have seen plans cancelled and jobs upended, and right now we don’t know when life will return to a more familiar pattern. It’s easy to fall into a spiral of worry and fear about the future, but I find it helps to proceed, as much as I can, with the outlook that things will be okay. Don’t be afraid to have hope. ▼ Michael Thomas Ford is a much-published Lambda Literary award-winning author. Visit Michael at michaelthomasford.com

APRIL 17, 2020 53 Letters

W I N E

•

S P I R I T S

•

B E E R

CALL-IN. WALK-UP. DRIVE-UP. PICK-UP. SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY .

Temporarily CALL-IN credit card orders ONLY during store hours.

(ID required)

TELEPHONE: 302.227.6966 W W W. L O V E S L I Q U O R S . C O M 305c REHOBOTH AVE & 4TH ST REHOBOTH BEACH, DE 19971 rehoboth guest 28-02_Layout 1 3/30/2018 2:13 PM Page 1 Letters Loves AD.indd 1

4/9/20 1:28 PM

bayberry

rehobothflowers.com 302-227-5725

Letters 54 APRIL 17, 2020

You’ve Always Belonged Here . . .

Lana Warfield

Let’s move forward in the best way, together, with kindness.

16712 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE

Office: 302-645-6661 Cell: 302-236-2430

E-mail: lcwarfield@hotmail.com

LanaWarfield.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

STAYING AT HOME? FIND YOUR SNUGGLE BUDDY AT

DHA REHOBOTH ADOPTION CENTER Midway Shopping Center 18675 Coastal Highway, Suite 8 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

ADOPTIONS BY APPOINTMENT PLEASE VISIT DELAWAREHUMANE.ORG TO CHECK OUT AVAILABLE PETS, THEN CONTACT INFO@DELAWAREHUMANE.ORG TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

delawarehumane.org/rehoboth | 302-200-7159 |

delawarehumane APRIL 17, 2020 55 Letters

arts+entertainment

CAMPArts Those Were the Bad Old Days!

by Doug Yetter

W

Photos, top to bottom Walter Reed Hospital flu ward during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918-19, in Washington DC. The pandemic killed between 50 and 100 million persons throughout the world.

Medical men wore masks to avoid the flu at U.S. Army hospital. Nov. 19, 1918. Army Hospital No. 4. Fort Porter, N.Y. during the 1918-19 'Spanish' Influenza pandemic

Letters 56 APRIL 17, 2020

hen I find myself in times of trouble, Grandpa Miller comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, “You think this is bad? You should have been around in 1918!”

A little background on my greatgrandpa’s family: his parents emigrated from Sweden separately, as they could only afford one passage. His father came to New York in 1881, working two jobs until he saved enough money to pay for his wife to join him—nearly a full year later. His mother made the 25-day trip across the Atlantic sitting on her steamer trunk in the hold so no one could steal her belongings. They decided they wanted to live somewhere they had space and felt more like Sweden, so they took advantage of the Homestead Act, paid their $10, moved to the Dakota Territory, and claimed their 160 acres.

The deal was they had to apply for citizenship, “improve” the land, and farm it for at least five years. That 160 acres was home to generations of my family.

When I was young I asked Grandpa what he did before he retired, and he produced a complete list of everything he had ever done. It started, “June 14, 1916—Got married. Built a house. Went farming.” The land for the house was a wedding gift from his parents. As each boy took a wife, they were given the same offer—stay on the farm, build a house, and share the land, or move into town and break your poor old mother’s heart. They all stayed.

Their daughter was born in October, 1917. Six months earlier, we had finally entered into the “Great War” and battles were being waged across the globe. By the time we signed the Armistice in November 1918, 18.3 million troops had been killed, wounded, or

gone missing, as well as four million civilians.

However, the war was not the biggest killer of that generation. Every ship that crossed the Atlantic during the war and after carried not only soldiers and supplies, but also the deadly “Spanish Flu.” Epidemiologists theorize the strain started in Kansas, and spread to troops deployed on ships headed for Europe.

France was ground zero of the epidemic, with soldiers from around the world gathering for training on grounds which also housed an overcrowded hospital camp.

It was the perfect storm. What could have been a well-mitigated, local problem for Haskell County, Kansas, was carried to Europe during a time when residents of dozens of countries were intermingling. The official start of the outbreak is listed as January, 1918; it was not declared over until December of 1920. That’s three full years, and we lost between 50 and 100 million people.

And yet we survived a pandemic that killed one in every four people on the planet. We picked ourselves up and chose to live. Grandpa farmed his way through the 20s, pinched every penny through the Great Depression, almost lost a son in the Second Great War.… We humans are a durable and incredibly resilient people.

Yes, there is fear, isolation, sickness, and death, but we will make it through 2020 the same way our ancestors made it through 1920, and the Cholera Epidemic of 1820, and the Black Plague of 1720.… It’s our 100year reminder that the human race can and will survive.▼

arts+entertainment

SPOTLIGHT ON THE

arts

CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at The Heart of Our Community

So What Now?

O

ver the past several weeks we have seen our lives change in extraordinary ways. Everyday things we took for advantage—running into the grocery for a carton of eggs or a few rolls of TP; shaking the hand of a friend; going to church; seeing a movie…all gone or very different. To quote Corinthians, “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.…”

For those of us who spend our lives making music in spaces where people gather, the world has gone strangely silent. Every arts organization in the country is shuttered and dark—but that doesn’t mean the end of the arts.

We have been changed, but we’re still here.

It’s imperative that each of us do everything we can to stay healthy— well, healthy and sane—that secondary wave of the boredom/panic virus has already hit most of us! As we shelter in place and self-isolate, I’ve found some options to keep the joy of the arts in our lives while we wait for the “all clear” to be sounded.

BROADWAY Broadway may be dark, but YouTube has a new series titled The Shows Must Go On! featuring a different musical by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber every Friday which will be available for viewing through the weekend. It’s free, but you have to subscribe to the channel.

Speaking of YouTube—you can view hundreds of full Broadway shows if you’re willing to do a little work. I started my search using the cryptic term “Broadway Musicals” and spent the next hour perusing titles. Rent, Little Women, Urinetown, Spring Awakening, Music Man, Oklahoma!, Bonnie & Clyde, Miss Saigon.… There’s something for every taste if you wanna start digging!

You can catch shows at London’s National Theatre Live through their YouTube page. Twelfth Night will stream live on Thursday, April 23 at 2 p.m. I watched One Man, Two Guvnors with James Cordon last week and loved it. They haven’t announced their

May line-up, but it’s likely that Danny Boyle’s Frankenstein, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller alternating the lead role, Coriolanus filmed at the Donmar Warehouse, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead starring Daniel Radcliffe, and Sondheim’s Follies with Imelda Staunton are heading your way.

One more treat on YouTube is Stars in the House, a series promoting support for the Actors Fund. You can have a private concert with Broadway’s biggest stars twice a day—2 & 8 p.m.

Just type “Stars in the House” into the browser to see the daily lineup.

Broadway HD (broadwayhd.com) boasts a collection of approximately 300 productions from Broadway and London’s West End, American Conservatory Theatre, Berkeley Repertoire, Shakespeare, ballets, and productions from Los Angeles’ Geffen Playhouse Theater. The collection is refreshed once a month, giving you dozens of new selections. It’s not free, but it’s pretty cheap.

APRIL 17, 2020 57 Letters

arts+entertainment YOUR HOMEWORK

MUSIC

MUSEUMS

For those of you accustomed to catching The Met: Live in HD at the Cinema Art Theater, you can now view encore presentations from the series on the “on demand” page of their website (metopera.org).

Each opera is available from 7:30 p.m. through 6:30 p.m. the following day. You can also view them through Met Opera on Demand apps for Apple, Amazon, Roku, and Samsung Smart TV.

Take a virtual tour of museums across the world—the Louvre (louvre. fr/en/visites-en-ligne); National Museum of Natural History (naturalhistory. si.edu/visit/virtual-tour); National Museum of Air and Space (airandspace. si.edu/anywhere); the British Museum (artsandculture.google.com/partner/ the-british-museum—just one of several museums which partner with Google, so keep searching!); or view a collection of the great treasures of art across the world in the VR Museum of Fine Art (vrtodaymagazine. com/vr-museum-fine-art/).

Classical music fans can enjoy daily lunchtime releases of archival video and audio from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (chambermusicsociety.org) every day at 12:30 p.m.

The Brooklyn Museum’s beloved First Saturdays have gone digital, with a new show every Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Write information@brooklynmuseum.org for a schedule.

Sculpture of a deity known as A'a (1505-1645), British Museum

Letters 58 APRIL 17, 2020

Artists across the country are using the websites I’ve listed above as well as platforms like Facebook Live to prevent the wholesale collapse of civilization.

We will all run out of dusty books we never read, closets to clean, and 1,000piece jigsaw puzzles before this is over, so we need to find some joy in our lives to prevent the spread of global grief.

We are only a few weeks into a period of trauma and loss we can’t really even comprehend, and stand the very real chance of becoming a world of hermits when we reach the other side. Do whatever is necessary to stay socialized and connected to your community. Share these suggestions with friends, and then have a virtual happy hour and discuss a show, or one of the museums.

Solitude exists to be disrupted.

My biggest hope in this is we find that we have more in common than we have differences, and this open wound of world suffering will become our path to healing.

A friend passed on this quote from A.O. Scott’s March 20, 2020 column in

the New York Times: “We mourn for art because at the moment we are unable to mourn through art.” ▼ Doug is the Artistic and Musical Director for CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, Director of Music Ministries at Epworth UMC, and co-founder and Artistic Director emeritus of the Clear Space Theater Company. Contact Doug at dougyetter@gmail.com if you want to add your events to the calendar. Check out CAMP Arts on our website at camprehoboth. com for links to all the listed theatres, galleries and museums

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

True Blue Jazz wants to see all of you at our 8th Annual True Blue Jazz Festival in October 2020!

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A 501(c)3 Non-Profit APRIL 17, 2020 59 Letters

arts+entertainment

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

BOOKED SOLID

Calamity: The Many Lives of Calamity Jane

Calamity: The Many Lives of Calamity Jane

by Karen R. Jones c.2020, Yale University Press $28.00/higher in Canada, 303 pages

Letters 60 APRIL 17, 2020

YOU CAN CALL yourself whatever you want.

Nobody says you can't have a different name every day, if that's your wish.

Reinvent your life, create a new past, change your birth year, and tell new stories; nobody cares if you do. Become whoever you want to be but just know that, as in the book Calamity: The Many Lives of Calamity Jane by Karen R. Jones, the truth might catch up.

When one thinks of women of the Wild West, the list is short. It's likely that Calamity Jane is toward the top.

Born the first of May in 1852, or possibly 1856, Martha Jane Canary was the oldest child of a "gambler and a 'woman of the lowest grade,'" says Jones.

Her parents left Missouri when Martha was a child, and moved to Montana to take advantage of the gold rush there but they didn't even get a taste of its wealth before they both died.

Martha was a teenager then and, to her credit, she did whatever was needed to survive, never staying in one place for very long, living hand-to-mouth in what became a "pathologically itinerant lifestyle" that she maintained on and off for her whole life. It's how she likely got her nickname: calamity followed her from campsite to saloon to jail cell.

By the time she was out of her teens, Calamity Jane's reputation was as wide as the prairie. She boasted about having been a "female scout" but some claims don't follow facts. Canary said that she drove stagecoaches and rode for

the Pony Express, but dates don't always match up. In early adulthood, she got into a habit of wearing men's clothing, which caused scandal and titillation for much of her life and which leads to questions of gender fluidity today. There are so many instances where truth differs from legend, in fact, that we may never know the whole story about her.

It's this aspect of Calamity that will keep you on your toes: as author Karen R. Jones sifts through the myths and mysteries of Martha Canary's life, we, too, begin to see not just a complex woman but also fascinating (for a western-novel fan) slices of fiction-crushing facts about the Old West.

Perhaps not surprisingly, much of the former centers on Canary's crossdressing, which Jones admits was common in Canary's day, and not just for her; the difference, perhaps, is that she was unabashed about it. Because she was an anomaly by way of reputation and fame, Old West denizens gossiped about Canary; newspaper accounts mention her mode of dress quite often, and Jones hints at unknowns in her gender identity.

Since Canary loved to embellish and because she seemed comfortable with a foot in many worlds, concrete evidence either way is elusively slippery.

Hollywoodization aside—and there's plenty of that, when it comes to Calamity Jane—it seems that the question may remain open. As for something that pulls this tale all together, though, and offers tantalizing reading, find Calamity and call it good. ▼ Terri Schlichenmeyer has been reading since she was three years old and never goes anywhere without a book. Always Overbooked, she lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 15,000 books.

'Sometimes in the waves of change we find our true direction.' ~Unknown We at The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group are grateful for the tide of people rising to keep our community safe & healthy.

We will ride out this wave together, and we look forward to Summer 2020.

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APRIL 17, 2020 61 Letters

CAMPshots

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH Remembering Good Times Together! Gumbo Crawl and the Last of the Rehoboth Beach PreIsolation CAMPshots. #TogetherApart

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THIS PAGE 1) Rehoboth Beach 2020 Gumbo Crawl: Pat Smythe, John Glenstrup, John Black, Donna Smythe, Brian Skoff, Kathy Nacole, Lisa Bufo (Rigby’s), Troy Roberts, Kathy Christine, Julia Sugarbaker, Hugh Fuller, Joe Ray, Ron Butt (Purple Parrot), Jeff Davies, Bryan Gearin, Charles Bounds, Martin Morris, Jeremy Bernstein, Frank Del Campo, Gene Dvornick, Marion Jones (Zoggs), Deb Purcell, Tony Purcell, Tatiana Davyderna, Zed Smyth (Café Azafran) Davey Keich, Al Snyder, and Pete Borsari (The Pond).

OPPOSITE PAGE 2) More Gumbo Crawl 2020: Jaime Hernandez, Yolanda Pineda, Terry Kistler, Joe Sterner, Chris Berg, Aaron Rinaca, Jeff Seese, Travis Patton, Brian Facone, Daniel Nilsen, Alec Daniels, (Mariachi’s – Gumbo Crawl 2020 Winner), Brian Gray, Joshua Dyal, Damien Gray, Chris Terrone, Bobby Hughes, Ken Donahue, Joe Scott (Cooter Browns), Mark Clark, Tyler Townsend, and George Toma (The Pines). 3) Jan LoBiondo, Jodie Daminger, Suzanne Landon, and Mary Landon Green at Atlantic Sands. 4) Biddy Shevlin, Jack Suwanlert, Shawn Frost, Paddy Shevlin, Jack Shevlin, Kenny Juarez, Jenie Shevlin, Steve Ringer, Monica Parr, Tony Burns, Emilie Paternoster, Bruce Eddy, Mary Ellen Eddy, Sandra Skidmore, Don Commiso, and Robert Kopansky at George and Jack’s St. Patrick’s Day Party. 5) Joe Roy, Peyton Whitt, Jonah Fryrch, and Tanner Whitt at The Pond.

Photos by Murray Archibald, Tony Burns, and Tricia Massella.

Letters 62 APRIL 17, 2020

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OPPOSITE PAGE 1) Matthew Kenworthy, David Herold, Mike Young, Carl Amideo, and Scott Sylvester at Diego’s Bar and Nightclub. 2) Linda Kemp, David Hagelin, Miriam Barton, John Black John Glenstrup, Mike Pierce, Cheryl Graves, Natalie Moss, Barb Ralph, Evelyn Maurmeyer, Max Dick, Tony Purcell, David Wright, and Ricky DiDomenico at Rigby’s. 3) Tammy Waldman and Andrea Vennell at Milton St. Patrick’s Day Parade. 4) Joshua Paulee, Matthew Trone, Richard Madden, Jerry Thibodeau, Robert Acosta, Rob Hutzel, Kim Hutzel, and Andrea Acosta at Purple Parrot. 5) Michael Cohen, Mike Molesky, Paul Smedberg, Steve Thompson, Rob Stark, Roxy Overbrooke, Regina Cox, and Jasmin Blue at Blue Moon. 6) John Glonackyle and David Jasinski at The Pines.

THIS PAGE 7) Tim Dillingham, Gary Alexander, Don Corin, Pamala Stanley, James Fitzsimmons, Brian Burdelle, Tony Burns, Jim D’Orta, Rehoboth Beach Commissioner Lisa Schlosser, Sherri Brown, Bob Suppies, Brent Council, John Flynn, Viki Dee, Phil Brandt, and Alberto Rivera-Rentas at The Pines.

8) Alex Pires, Laura Reitman, Rina Pellegrini, Kim Richards, Linda Kemp, Lisa Lekawa, Lorraine, Biros, Jane St. Clair, Debbie Wilkins, Lynne Shifren, Pam Doelze, and Laura Hutchins at Rusty Rudder.

APRIL 17, 2020 65 Letters

Out & Proud

by Stefani Deoul

Blood on Their Hands

O

ne of the best known lines from the US Supreme Court comes from Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes’ ruling in Schenck v.

United States regarding the right to free speech: The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic.

The key word being “falsely.” You are well protected should you yell fire in a theatre that’s on fire. It’s the act of doing it falsely, as in libel, fraud, or perjury, that is often constitutionally unprotected.

So if our theatre is “the people,” and our fire “the pandemic,” then shouting “it’s all fine” is the falsity, the fraud. Where lies the legal, ethical, and moral obligations for our politicians, and our press, to place truth above agenda during a time of crisis?

New Year’s Eve, 2019: The AP reports China is investigating an “outbreak of respiratory illness in the central city of Wuhan.” January 21, 2020: the US welcomed its first confirmed case of the coronavirus.

The next day, President Trump, talking to CNBC’s Joe Kernen, offered his first comments about the coronavirus.

Kernen asked, “Are there worries about a pandemic at this point?” The president responded, “No. Not at all. And we have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. It’s going to be just fine.”

And for even that brief moment, while our hopes echoed his hopes, others already knew it wasn’t to be.

January 30, 2020: during a speech in Michigan, President Trump said, “We have it very well under control. We have very little problem in this country at this moment—five. And those people are all recuperating successfully.” That same day the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus to be a “public health emergency of international concern,” announcing 7,818 confirmed cases around the world.

One might forgive a bit of downplaying, seeing it as a sign this administration

Letters 66 APRIL 17, 2020

didn’t want to invoke panic—if that were it.

But sadly, that wasn’t it. Not by a long shot.

February 10, 2020: in a succession of speeches, Trump claimed warm spring weather could kill the virus, saying, “Looks like by April, you know, in theory, when it gets a little warmer, it miraculously goes away.”

February 23, 2020: President Trump pronounced the situation “very much under control,” adding, “We had 12, at one point. And now they’ve gotten very much better. Many of them are fully recovered.”

Conversely, WHO announced the virus was now in 30 countries, with 78,811 confirmed cases, a more than fivefold increase over the previous three weeks.

Where lies the legal, ethical, and moral obligations for our politicians, and our press, to place truth above agenda during a time of crisis?

February 28, 2020: at a campaign rally in North Charleston, South Carolina, President Trump told his base: “The Democrats are politicizing the coronavirus.

One of my people came up to me and said, ‘Mr. President, they tried to beat you on Russia, Russia, Russia.’ That did not work out too well. They could not do it.

They tried the impeachment hoax.... And this is their new hoax.”

Knowing not only what we all know, but being privileged to so much more, on February 28, President Trump told his base coronavirus is a Democratic hoax.

This is the definition of falsely yelling fire in a theatre.

He knew better, and rather than protect those people who believe in him, he told them it’s a hoax.

And he is not alone. As destructive as he is, so too are a band of sycophants willing to play the charade regardless of the lives they cost.

March 9, 2020: FOX’s Trish Regan claimed, “This (the coronavirus) is yet another attempt to impeach the president,” adding Democrats and the “liberal media” were using the coronavirus to “destroy the president.”

March 13, 2020: Sean Hannity was on air suggesting that living in Chicago is more dangerous than the coronavirus, “Put it in perspective: 26 people were shot in Chicago alone over the weekend.

I doubt you heard about it. You notice there’s no widespread hysteria about violence in Chicago…. By the way, Democratic-run cities, we see a lot of that.”

March 15, 2020: Devin Nunes tells FOX’s Maria Bartiromo “…one of the things you can do, if you’re healthy, you and your family, it’s a great time to just go out, go to a local restaurant, likely you can get in, get in easily.…” On the same day Anthony Fauci, MD, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, appeared on all major Sunday talk shows, calling on people to stay home as much as possible.

March 16, 2020: health departments in the US reported the largest number of coronavirus-related deaths on any one day since the onset of the outbreak.

And some people will roll their eyes, dismissing all of this. But that’s wrong.

Polling has clarified our self-care practices vis-a-vis coronavirus is split along party lines. As long as anyone thinks this coronavirus is “under control,” or “a Democratic hoax,” or “created by North Korea to hurt America” (Jerry Fallwell, Jr.), or cured by Alex Jones’ toothpaste or Jim Bakker’s silver elixirs, we all pay the price of a president who falsely yelled “hoax” into the theatre, while the pandemic raged on.

And when this is over, they who knew better should be called to account. ▼ Stefani Deoul is a television producer and author of the award-winning YA mystery series Sid Rubin Silicon Alley Adventures, with On a LARP and Zero Sum Game. Her third in the series, Say Her Name, came out in December 2019.

We’re doing our part in Rehoboth Beach to support the community.

Schwab proudly supports Camp Rehoboth As a local business, we think it’s important to support the communities we call home. That’s why we support Camp Rehoboth.

Drop by our branch anytime and see how we can support you.

Mark Engberg & Stephanie Brown Rehoboth Beach Independent Branch 19266 Coastal Highway, Unit 5 Rehoboth Beach, DE schwab.com/rehobothbeach

Camp Rehoboth is not affiliated with Schwab or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. ©2019 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) Member SIPC. All rights reserved. MWD790-30 (0818-82ZG) (9/19)

APRIL 17, 2020

67 Letters

OUR SUPPORTERS MAKE IT HAPPEN PURPLE LEVEL Greg Albright & Wes Combs X Sondra N. Arkin X Aaron, Heather, Gia & Joe Book* Carol Bresler & Carolyn Billinghurst X Tony Burns X Edward Joseph Chrzanowski & Talmage Wesley Sykes Skip Dye & Steven King* Diane Huber Allen Jarmon & Ward Ellinger X James W. Johnson & Matthew H. Shepard* Christine Lay X Diane & Chris Martin* Richard Morgante & Edward McHale* Beth Pile & S.A. White X Mark Purpura & Matthew Adams* Mary Rossettini & Kathleen Taylor Jennifer Rubenstein & Diane Scobey X Evie Simmons & Barb Thompson X Leonard Smith X The Robert V. Hauff & John F. Dreeland Foundation X Jennifer Walker & Mary Ann Veitch X William Cross Foundation Renee & Steven Wright DMD PA*

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Letters 68 APRIL 17, 2020

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69 Letters

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Letters 70 APRIL 17, 2020

Ellan Hylton Batya Hyman & Belinda Cross* Thomas Ingold X Sue Isaacs* Chris Israel & John Stassi X Debbie Isser & Fran Leibowitz Geoffrey Jackson & Will Delany X Fay Jacobs & Bonnie Quesenberry X Sharon Janis X Steve Janosik & Rich Snell X Robert Jasinski* Mary Jenkins & Laura Reitman Sue Jernberg & Chris Hunt Susan Jimenez & Cathy Benson X Donna A. Johnson* Dorsey Johnson & Kay Jernigan* Ken Johnson X Tara Johnson Cynthia Johnston & George Meili Jim Johnston Richard Jolly & Charles Ingersoll X D. J. Jones Dee Dee Jones & Julie Blake Gay Jones & Barb Bartels Glenn Jones X Rob Jones Sparky Jones & Lee Chrostowski Sue Jones & Dottie Stackhouse Tom Jones X JoEllen Jordan Nola Joyce & Brenda Eich Frank Jump & Vincenzo Aiosa Wayne Juneau X Mick Kaczorowski X Darleen Kahl & Susan Poteet Jana Kamminga & Niki Nicholson* Bob Kaplan & Jeff Davis X Daphne Kaplan & Steve Scheffer Sharon Kaplan & Pamela Everett* Kevin P. Kaporch X Denise Karas & Katherine Bishop Peter Karsner X Peter Keeble & Tom Best Margaret Keefe & Dianne Conine* Alan Keffer* Donald Kelly* John Kelly & Randy Sutphin X Michael J. Kelly X John Kennedy Kate Kent Hunter Kesmodel X Ned Kesmodel & Matt Gaffney X Marge Keyes & Julie Arenstein X C. David Kimmel* Spencer Kingswell X Daniel Kinsella* Robyn Kirby Frank Klemens & Barry Brown Ruth Kloetzli & Lisa Scholl* Jane Knaus & Cindy Myers Stephen Kopp John Kort & Hung Lai* Robert Kovalcik & Bob Howard X Myra Kramer & John Hammett* Marcia Kratz Karen Kreiser & Beth Nevill* Kevin W. LaBarge X Adam Lamb & Eli Martinez Peter Lanzaro & Frank Bodsford X Dr. Mathilda Laschenski & Dr. Kathleen Heacock X Ruth Lauver & Judy Wetzel* Kate Lavelle X Patricia Layton Charlie Lee X Jon Leeking & Dieulifete Jean* Sherry Leichman & Keith Snyder Mary Lenney* Jen Leonard & Claire McCracken

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APRIL 17, 2020

71 Letters

LGBTQ+ YA Column

by Emily Villa

Hidden Rainbows to Vibrant Prisms

W

hen I first started teaching at my high school, a parent complained about me to the school superintendent for telling my class that I had a wife. Teachers before me stood as hidden rainbows, afraid of what might come from being “out.” That was almost nine years ago, and times are changing (for the better)!

I never thought I would have the opportunity to be a part of an LGBTQ community of supportive students and adults like the group I met with last month. On March 7, 2020, 42 youth and 15 adults participated in the first Sussex County GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) Leadership Gathering entitled Positive Presence. Not only did this gathering provide opportunities for networking and connecting with other schools, but it also enabled everyone in attendance to connect with their own feelings and emotions.

The morning began with the energetic and passionate Rev. Karla Fleshman. We learned the importance of positive presence and the “power pose,” mindful breathing, the importance of telling one’s story, and the impact of selftalk. Both students and adults joined in various exercises to increase self-confidence and recognize the power of how we talk to ourselves. Students are not the only ones who struggle with negative thoughts, anxiety, and doubt; this session brought everyone together as a supportive community and set the tone for the day.

After the morning session and a tasty lunch, the youth and adults broke up into two groups. Students were led by speaker, Emily Falcone, on the topic of relationships. One of my own GSA members asked me to share her PowerPoint of valuable information with our members who could not attend.

While the students learned about healthy relationships, advisors had the opportunity to meet with Rev. Fleshman in a room upstairs. It was uplifting to be in a room with every person focused on the same beliefs and goals. Some chose to share their own stories, ask questions, and create a plan for what our schools can do to support both LGBTQ staff and students.

Letters 72 APRIL 17, 2020

We discussed best practices and what has worked in various schools, but also new ideas—for example, can we provide cords for our seniors for their graduation caps? We all left the session feeling a sense of unity; although we are located throughout the state, we have the ability to use each other as resources to improve the lives of our students.

As our day moved towards the end, students united in a session with the radiant shaman and healer, Athena Allread. Students participated in an intimate discussion with Athena, and then she led creative and fun mirroring exercises. I was concerned about one of my shyer GSA members at first, but Athena coupled each pair and it was clear she had a knack for both channeling energy and determining comfort levels of those around her. Laughter and giggles filled the room, but most importantly, students connected with their own thoughts and emotions through these guided movements.

To close our inspiring day, the brave and charismatic “Ms. P” wowed the audience with a drag performance! It was truly refreshing to be surrounded by so many motivating and uplifting people. This was just the first of many events I hope I can attend with this group of people. I have experienced many things being an openly gay teacher, but I do feel that things are improving in our LGBTQ family—while we once stood as hidden rainbows, we are now confident and vibrant prisms in our community.

A special thank you to the Milton Theatre for hosting, the American Lung Association and Wawa Foundation for supporting, and all the volunteers, speakers, and school advisors that made this event possible! Additionally, thank you to CAMP Rehoboth for creating this monumental event for our youth and becoming the glue to bond us all together. ▼ Ms. Emily Villa teaches English and is the GSA advisor at Lake Forest High School.

Did you know that CAMP Rehoboth provides • Community Space, Meeting Rooms, Public Courtyard • Diversity Training for City & Park Police •Advocacy for LGBTQ & Other Human Rights Issues • Sexual Health Counseling (Couples & Individuals) • Health Testing (partnership/Beebe Medical Center) • HIV Prevention, Education & Testing • CAMP Rehoboth Chorus • Support Groups • Safe Haven for Youth • Grief Counseling • Public WiFi • Information Resources on Area Services • Tourist Information Services • Gallery & Performance Space for Artists • Fundraising Assistance for Other Area Non-Profits • Ticket Sales for Other Organizations • Women’s FEST Weekend • Promotion for Local Non-profit Events

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APRIL 17, 2020

73 Letters

Straight Talk

by David Garrett

A Modern-Day Atticus Finch

I

wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what. Thus spoke Atticus Finch in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.

A young man in Wilmington, Delaware “began anyway” and has seen several incidents through. He may not have known he was licked before he began, but he had his convictions firmly planted in his heart and acted on them. Dwayne Bensing was an attorney on staff at the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) in the Department of Education (DOE). Things were changing in his department under the appointment and confirmation of Betsy DeVos as head of the DOE. Strides toward inclusion and equality that came under the Obama administration were being stripped away with intentional policy shifts. Title IX has been one of the casualties. The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) filed a complaint with the DOE regarding the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) allowing transgender athletes to compete as their identified gender. The ADF is labeled a hate group by the reknowned Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). Their position is that cisgender female athletes are subject to discrimination because transgender female athletes are competing against them. This results in lost athletic scholarships, unfulfilled college acceptances, and more, states the ADF. DeVos instructed her legal staff to respond to this complaint on behalf of the ADF. However, there had not been a determination giving DOE jurisdiction with the CIAC, since they received no federal funds. According to Bensing, “We also had not determined OCR’s subject-matter jurisdiction—that is, OCR had not yet developed a legal interpretation of Title IX that would recognize what was alleged in the complaint (permitting trans female athletes to compete against cis female athletes) as being a violation of federal law. Adding to my concern was the fact

Letters 74 APRIL 17, 2020

that I discovered political appointees were deeply involving themselves in the matter and demanding that career staff open the complaint quickly, without first analyzing these threshold legal issues.”

The Washington Blade received copies of emails within the OCR that revealed steps being taken to set up the defense of ADF in this case. Chris Johnson, the Blade reporter, shared the

“I built my career advocating on behalf of trans students…. I felt like it would have been an ultimate betrayal of all those students if I were to turn a blind eye to the obvious violations of law and abuse of authority I witnessed.” provision that such complaints must be filed with DOE within six months of the incident. However, DOE took issue even though it was beyond the time limit. In an internal DOE investigation, Bensing was found to be the source of those emails.

He was reassigned and ultimately terminated from employment.

Fortunately for him, Bensing had seen the handwriting on the wall, and knew his time at DOE was coming to an end. A position was ready and waiting for him at the offices of the ACLU of Delaware, and he has been a staff attorney there since January of this year. In the interview for this article, Bensing shared his reasons

for taking whistle-blower action at DOE. He stated, “I built my career advocating on behalf of trans students. My first major pro bono case was on behalf of a trans college student. I held Gavin Grimm’s mother’s hand during the Gloucester trial. I was on the team that sued North Carolina over the Bathroom Bill and helped draft the Obama Guidance regarding transgender students. I felt like it would have been an ultimate betrayal of all those students if I were to turn a blind eye to the obvious violations of law and abuse of authority I witnessed.”

“I went to law school to protect civil rights, not to undermine those rights.

While this administration may want to turn everything on its head, I felt a deep sense of obligation to Americans as a federal bureaucrat to do my job and make sure that procedures, rules, and the law were followed.”

Dwayne Bensing has proven his bona fides as a civil rights attorney acting on behalf of trans students in particular and the LGBTQ community in general. He has since settled into his position at ACLU of Delaware. He and his partner are working from home, given the current climate of COVID-19.

The mission statement for the OCR of DOE reads, The mission of the Office for Civil Rights is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights. The OCR said farewell to one fine young attorney who would have helped them fulfill that mission. And Delaware is better for it. Transgender students across Delaware are better for it.

Dwayne Bensing is many things. He is a man of passion and compassion. He is a man of conviction and courage. He is a man of vision and vigor. He is a modern-day Atticus Finch. The world could use more people like Dwayne Bensing. ▼ David Garrett is a straight advocate for equality and inclusion. He is also the proud father of an adult transdaughter. Email David Garrrett at dlgarrett4rb@gmail.com.

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Chris Bowers Carol Brice Linda DeFeo Karen DeSantis Monica Fleischmann Carolyn Ortwein Diane Scobey Frank Shockley Evie Simmons Barb Thompson Elva Weininger UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Carol Brice Perry Gottlieb Gail Jackson Kathy Wiz VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Jaye Laszcynski Jim Mease Michael Safina Leslie Sinclair Devon Singer John Michael Sophos Angie Strano WOMEN’S FEST COMMITTEE

Kathy Carpenter Dottie Cirelli Connie Fox Nancy Hewish Fay Jacobs Denise Karas Nancy Kennedy Carol Lazzara Margie Moore Anne Morillon Rebecca Moscoso Natalie Moss Bonnie Quesenberry Leslie Sinclair Devon Singer Gail Tannenbaum Bea Vuocolo Ruth Ann Winterhalter

Dusty Abshire Pat Catanzariti Robert Fleming

CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Opportunities

Don’t miss a thing.

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

JUN 20-21: Stonewall Performance, Saturday 7 pm | Sunday 3 pm JUL 15: Volunteer Orientation Meeting & Breakfast: 9 am-12 pm AUG 21-23: CAMP Families Weekend SEP 5-6: SUNDANCE

YOUR NAME

PARTNER’S NAME ( IF APPLICABLE)

STREET MAILING ADDRESS

— PLEASE VISIT —

CITY, STATE, ZIP

☐ YES ☐ NO PHONE

IS THIS A RENEWAL?

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

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.

APRIL 17, 2020

75 Letters

CAMPDates

APRIL 21 – JUNE 11

April 21 • Virtual Chair Yoga. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/vJModOmvqDIo0M-V6vAINAQ6xARGfogFQ

May 12 • Virtual Chair Yoga. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/vJModOmvqDIo0M-V6vAINAQ6xARGfogFQ

June 2 • Virtual Chair Yoga. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/vJModOmvqDIo0M-V6vAINAQ6xARGfogFQ

April 23 • Yoga for Everyone. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/upUpfu-prjovhW3_83axsh97twAgKDfFmw

May 14 • Yoga for Everyone. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/upUpfu-prjovhW3_83axsh97twAgKDfFmw

June 4 • Yoga for Everyone. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/upUpfu-prjovhW3_83axsh97twAgKDfFmw

April 28 • Virtual Chair Yoga. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/vJModOmvqDIo0M-V6vAINAQ6xARGfogFQ

May 19 • Virtual Chair Yoga. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/vJModOmvqDIo0M-V6vAINAQ6xARGfogFQ

June 9 • Virtual Chair Yoga. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/vJModOmvqDIo0M-V6vAINAQ6xARGfogFQ

April 30 • Yoga for Everyone. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/upUpfu-prjovhW3_83axsh97twAgKDfFmw

May 21 • Yoga for Everyone. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/upUpfu-prjovhW3_83axsh97twAgKDfFmw

June 11 • Yoga for Everyone. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/upUpfu-prjovhW3_83axsh97twAgKDfFmw

May 5 • Virtual Chair Yoga. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/vJModOmvqDIo0M-V6vAINAQ6xARGfogFQ

May 26 • Virtual Chair Yoga. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/vJModOmvqDIo0M-V6vAINAQ6xARGfogFQ

May 7 • Yoga for Everyone. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/upUpfu-prjovhW3_83axsh97twAgKDfFmw

May 28 • Yoga for Everyone. 10:30 am. zoom.us/meeting/ register/upUpfu-prjovhW3_83axsh97twAgKDfFmw

Letters 76 APRIL 17, 2020

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

June 28, 2019 8 Volume 29, Number m camprehoboth.co

Advertising in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth pays off.

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

APRIL 17, 2020

77 Letters

AD INDEX 1776 Steakhouse...........................................................17 Accent On Travel.......................................................... 15 AG Renovations............................................................54 Allen Jarmon, Realtor...................................................49 Atlantic Jewelry..............................................................9 Bayberry Flowers.........................................................54 Beagle Real Estate Group............................................29 Beebe Healthcare........................................................ 19 Beebe Healthcare Career Opportunities.....................25 Brandywine Urology Consultants.................................. 11 Brandywine Valley SPCA..............................................76 Breakthru Beverage.....................................................35 Café Azafran.................................................................27 CAMP Rehoboth Annual Premier Sponsors...................7 CAMP Rehoboth Community Center............................73 CAMP Rehoboth Letters Subscription..........................75 CAMPsafe.................................................................... 50 Caroline Huff, Artist.......................................................17 Cat and Mouse Publishing.......................................... 30 Clear Space Theatre..................................................... 61 Community Pride Financial Advisors............................34 County Bank.................................................................32 DE Health & Social Services, Senior Medicare Patrol.... 51 Delaware Hospice....................................................... 30 Delaware Humane Association....................................55

Letters 78 APRIL 17, 2020

Delaware Pride.............................................................53 Donna Whiteside, Realtor............................................ 16 Eric Atkins, Realtor.......................................................27 Gary Meehan, Memorial...............................................26 General Dentistry........................................................ 30 God’s Greyts Senior Greyhounds.................................37 Hugh Fuller, Realtor......................................................38 Immanuel Shelter.........................................................34 Insight Homes..............................................................45 Jack Lingo, Real Estate................................................47 Jenn Harpel, Morgan Stanley....................................... 13 Jolly Trolley..................................................................37 Just In Thyme Restaurant.............................................29 Lana Warfield, Realtor..................................................55 Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, Realtors.............................. 61 Linda Mazie, Health & Wellness Coach........................67 Lori’s Café................................................................... 50 Loves Liquors...............................................................54 Mark Engberg & Stephanie Brown, Charles Schwab...67 Midway Fitness & Racquetball.....................................79 Milton Theatre.............................................................. 13 Mirabelle......................................................................54 Palate...........................................................................23 Penny Lane Liquors......................................................78 PFLAG........................................................................... 61

Photo Restoration........................................................23 Purple Parrot................................................................39 Randall-Douglas............................................................17 Randy Mason/Shirley Kalvinsky, Realtors....................37 Rehoboth Beach Dental...............................................32 Rehoboth Guest House................................................54 Rehoboth Massage & Alignment..................................55 Restaurant Take Out.....................................................43 Ron’s Repairs............................................................... 30 Saved Souls Animal Rescue.........................................44 Sea Bova Associates, Realtors.................................... 80 SoDel Concepts............................................................33 Springpoint Choice....................................................... 31 State Farm - George Bunting.......................................29 State Farm - Jeanine O’Donnell/Eric Blondin...............37 The Lawson Firm..........................................................44 Troy Roberts, Realtor....................................................67 True Blue Jazz Festival.................................................59 Unfinished Business.....................................................27 Village Volunteers....................................................... 60 Volunteer Opportunities...............................................75 Volunteer Thank You....................................................75 Windsor’s Flowers........................................................27

FREE online classes for the community Go to our website or facebook page to find the schedule www.midwayfitness.com

Midway Motion & Fitness

We are praying for our community and hoping this situation ends soon. Until then, stay Midway Strong by joining our free online classes! Peace and health to everyone!

THE CLEANEST GYM IN TOWN! 34823 Derrickson Drive Behind Movies at Midway 302.645.0407 www.midwayfitness.com STA F F E D MidWay Ad-2020-April.indd 1

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W E E K E N DS 3/30/20 PM APRIL 17, 2020 79 9:37 Letters

LINDA BOVA

BRIDGET BAUER

302.542.4197

302.245.0577

MNG. BROKER-ABR®

ASSOC. BROKER-REALTOR®

CELL

CELL

THE BEST RESORT WEB SITE:

www.SEABOVA.com

A/C *

SUNSPOT - Dewey Beach.

2BR/1.5BA condo w/direct views of the ocean. 2nd-floor w/1 assigned parking space. Dues $750/mt. Community laundry & storage. Excellent rental history. $688,000 (142462)

KINGS CREEK CC - Rehoboth.

4BR/3.5BA courtyard-style house w/in-ground pool & guest suite.

Outdoor kitchen. EP Henry paver drive & pool deck. Gorgeous interior finishes. Located on 14th green. $975,000 (1001573482)

SANDY BEACH - Dagsboro.

2002-built 3BR/2BA rancher w/DEEDED BOAT SLIP. Also has its own pool & hot tub.

2,100 sq. ft. on 0.61 acres.

Fixed stairs to attic. No HOA rules. $345,000 (158490)

EDGEWATER HOUSE Rehoboth Beach. Ocean-front 2-story, 2BR/2BA condo. BRs have pool views. 8’x14’ balcony.

Dues avg. $3.1k/qtr. Excellent rental potential. “Turn Key.” $699,900 (149780)

BEACHWOODS I - Lewes.

4BR/2.5BA “Like New”.

Hardwood & tile. Granite & SS appliances in kit. Huge 1st-floor master suite. Big deck. 6 miles to Lewes public beach. $385,000 (153560)

PINEY GLADE - Rehoboth.

1991 3BR/1BA singlewide on its own land. Approx. 0.28 acres. Front deck, backyard shed. “As Is.” 4 miles to beach & near State Park trail. $185,000 (158736)

ROUTE 5 - Milton. 0.76-acres.

Lot #2 Harbeson Rd near Rust Rd. Valid site eval. or public sewer hook-up. No builder tiein. Cape Henlopen district.

Quick access to Rt. 9 & 11 miles to beach. $59,900 (1001565654)

SILVER VIEW FARM Rehoboth. 1981 2BR/1BA Updated kit w/Corian counters & lighting. Laminate floors.

Remodeled bath. Pool & just 3 miles to boardwalk. $26,500

COLONIAL EAST - Rehoboth.

1980 3BR/2BA home has been nicely remodeled with a chic, cosmopolitan interior. Huge porch. Olympic-size pool. 4 miles to beach. $95,000 (146820) Lot Rent $564/mt.

CAMELOT MEADOWS Rehoboth. 2001 3BR/2BA home is 1,260 sq. ft. Big kitchen adjoins dining area. Handicap ramp. Just 3.5 miles to beach.

Community pool. $95,000

(157198) Lot Rent $581/mt.

SILVER VIEW FARM Rehoboth. 2005 3BR/2BA w/split bedroom plan. Eat-in kitchen. Laundry area. Ready today. Pool & just 3 miles to the beach & boardwalk. $59,900

SEA AIR VILLAGE - Rehoboth.

2014 2BR/2BA w/bonus room.

Vaulted ceilings. Kitchen adjoins dining area. Split BR plan. Patio. Shed. Pool. 2 miles to boardwalk. $59,999

SILVER VIEW FARM Rehoboth. 1997 3BR/2BA Split BR plan. Vaulted ceilings. Large rear deck.

Corner lot. Pool & just 3 miles to boardwalk. $58,500

ASPEN MEADOWS Rehoboth. 1986 2BR/2BA w/ sunroom addition. Gorgeous remodel! Laminate & tile floors. Fencing. Pool & 4 miles to beach. $107,000

POT-NETS BAYSIDE - Long Neck. 1990 3BR/2BA. Sunroom w/pellet stove. GARAGE. Paradise Grill, pool, beach, golf, marina & more! 15 miles to boardwalk. $99,900 (153246)

A/C

*

CREEKWOOD - Rehoboth.

2003 2BR/2BA 3rd-floor condo.

Atlantic model is 1,144sf w/9’ ceilings, crown molding & screen porch. 4 miles to beach & near State Park trail. $215,000 (156820)

(155196) Lot Rent $555/mt.

(148334) Lot Rent $581/mt.

(151378) Lot Rent $581/mt.

(141648) Lot Rent $772/mt.

(156182) Lot Rent $475/mt

Lot Rent $741/mt.

20250 Coastal Highway - Suite 3, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

OFFICE

- 302.227.1222  TOLL FREE - 877.SEA.BOVA  EFAX - 888.SEA.BOVA  EMAIL – RealEstate@SEABOVA.com

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