Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 31, No. 8 by CAMP Rehoboth

All That Jazz Floofs & Doggos & Rats — Oh, My!

C R E A T I N G

M O R E

P O S I T I V E

R E H O B O T H

September 24, 2021 Volume 31, Number 8 camprehoboth.com

inside

THIS ISSUE

VOLUME 31, NUMBER 8 • SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

4 In Brief

46 Dog Daze

76 Celebrity Interview

6 Intentionally Inclusive

BETH SHOCKLEY

CHRIS AZZOPARDI

Sydney and The Sound of Music

48 Straight Talk

Sun Festival’s Big Tent

Queer Jazz

WES COMBS

DAVID GARRETT

8 Who’s That? That’s CAMP! Sun Festival 2021 Delights & Delivers ANITA BROCCOLINO

12 CAMP News 14 Out & Proud Hashtag 18 Is Life STEFANI DEOUL

16 Community News 18 CAMP Houses The Man Who Lives in a Doghouse

RICH BARNETT

20 Words Matter Let’s Walk the Road to Recovery Together CLARENCE FLUKER

22 Membership Matters

54 Cat Tales

My Old Cat Geoffrey MICHAEL GILLES Sun Festival Cornhole “Pink” fans, see page 8.

24 Volunteer Spotlight

32 It’s My Life

KAREN LAITMAN

MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

A Life of Service

26 Health & Wellness My Next Pet

Summertime Blues

34 The Beat Goes On

MARJ SHANNON

True Blue Jazz “Brings It” in Festival Year 9

27 Giving Back

36 LGBTQ+ YA

ANYA LINDSEY-JENKINS

JULIAN KAY HARBAUGH

The Power of Mentoring

Rats Are the Queerest Pets

28 Beautiful Harmonies

38 CAMP Critters

FAY JACOBS

Dumb, Dangerous, and Disturbing

Off 24 is Off and Strumming

39 Pet Peeves

30 Out & About

MIKEY ROX

Lipstick on a Pig ERIC PETERSON

CAMP Rehoboth ImpACT MARJ SHANNON

40 Dining Out

Harbour Waterfront Dining JENNIFER RUBENSTEIN

42 Critter Camp MICHAEL GILLES

58 Historical Headliners

Drama Queen: Alla Nazimova ANN APTAKER

60 View Point A Bomb in Gilead RICHARD ROSENDALL

Guncle to Guncle

78 CAMP Arts DOUG YETTER

80 Booked Solid TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

90 The Real Dirt And All that Jazz ERIC W. WAHL

94 Deep Inside Hollywood ROMEO SAN VICENTE

98 We Remember

64 Visiting View

Wake Me Up When September Ends ROBERT DOMINIC

66 Cover Story

The Pet-Loving Percussionist MATTY BROWN

ON THE COVER

Patty, the Pet-loving Percussionist Photo by Murray Archibald

68 CAMPshots

Celebrating Summer

72 Q-Puzzle 74 Avoiding Cat-astrophe

Cosmo the Wonder Cat TYLER MENDELSOHN Skittle, see page 38

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 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

PUBLISHER David Mariner EDITOR Marj Shannon EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Matty Brown DESIGN AND LAYOUT Mary Beth Ramsey ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Tricia Massella DISTRIBUTION Mark Wolf CONTRIBUTORS Ann Aptaker, Chris Azzopardi, Rich Barnett, Anita Broccolino, Matty Brown, Wes Combs, Stefani Deoul, Robert Dominic, Clarence Fluker, Michael Thomas Ford, David Garrett, Michael Gilles, Julian Kay Harbaugh, Fay Jacobs, Karen Laitman, Tricia Massella, Tyler Mendelsohn, Eric Peterson, Mary Beth Ramsey, Richard Rosendall, Mikey Rox, Jennifer Rubenstein, Romeo San Vicente, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Marj Shannon, Beth Shockley, Eric W. Wahl, Doug Yetter

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

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

CAMP REHOBOTH

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

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

PURPOSE Promoting the health and wellness of our community through a variety of programs including HIV and STI testing and counseling, mental health support, fitness classes, mindfulness classes, support for LGBTQ youth, and building community and support. Promoting artistic expressions and creative thinking, and giving aid to artists and craftspeople with an emphasis on the works of LGBTQ people. Advocating for our community to build a safe and inclusive community through voter information, education, and registration; and analysis of issues and candidates. Education and outreach to the larger community, including sensitivity training seminars, and printed materials to promote positive images of LGBTQ people and our allies. Networking resources and information by publishing a newsletter, and functioning as an alternative tourist bureau and information center.

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

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

The Way I See It BY MARJ SHANNON, EDITOR

AND SO—SUMMER’S ENDED. AT LEAST, IT SEEMS THAT WAY AROUND HERE ONCE LABOR DAY weekend winds down. And by the time this issue is published, even the calendar will be paging to fall. But hey! CAMP Rehoboth, with its multi-day Sun Festival, saw summer out with a bang this year—read all about it in Anita Broccolino’s Who’s That…That’s CAMP column (page 8), and in Wes Comb’s Intentionally Inclusive column (page 6). And if you have the chance, please: reach out to thank our sponsors, supporters, volunteers— everyone who helped make the party hearty. There’s a list on pages 10 and 11. We couldn’t have done it without all these folks and are so grateful for their support. Personally, I’m looking forward to a lot that accompanies the change of season: less traffic; easier access to restaurants; cooler temps; wider-open trails as legions of visiting bikers pedal their paths back home. Robert Dominic also has been reflecting on the pros and cons of the changing seasons; see his Visiting View column on page 64. There are things I’m not looking forward to, though. Flu season, for example. We’ve been having an uptick in local COVID numbers; we surely don’t need to add flu into the mix. Last year, all that masking and social distancing and staying home kept flu viruses from circulating far-and-wide, too. This year—well, please take advantage of CAMP Rehoboth’s partnership with Beebe Healthcare and get your free flu shot, right at the Community Center, on Tuesday, October 5. No appointments necessary; if you’re 18 or older, just come-on-down between noon and 6:00 p.m. Flu aside, there’s lots of fall fun on offer. For starters, there’s CAMP Rehoboth’s Block Party, on October 10. Plan to spend part of your day on Baltimore Avenue enjoying the music, shopping the vendors, eating some goodies—there’s sure to be something that appeals. We’d love to see you! Right on the heels of the Block Party, it’s the 9th Annual True Blue Jazz Festival, October 13-17, and the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, October 14-17. Want something to get you in the spirit? See David Garrett’s column on Queer Jazz (page 48) for an introduction to three terrific musicians. We love other music, too—girl-groups, for example. See Fay Jacob’s feature (page 28) on Off 24, a local trio that’s making very good, indeed. Later in the month, it’s the Sea Witch® Festival, back this year (fingers crossed) to haunt your Halloween weekend. Scheduled for October 29-31, the festival typically features a costume parade, a dog parade, bandstand entertainment, trick-or-treat, and many other fun pursuits. Speaking of dogs…and cats and rabbits and horses and rats—even a pig! One of this issue’s themes is “pets”—which, clearly, we have in abundance. There’s Michael Gilles’s aging cat, Geoffrey; Beth Shockley’s challenging rescue dog, Sydney; Tyler Mendelsohn’s “best cat,” Cosmo; and Julian Harbaugh’s rats, Baxter and Bramble. In keeping with the theme, Terri Schlichenmeyer reviews the book Horse Girls; Eric Peterson reports in on the movie Pig. And Michael Gilles tells us all about another camp—Critter Camp, an outreach program of the Brandywine Valley SPCA, where young animal lovers learn things like pet CPR, grooming, and behavioral training. Maybe you like being outdoors (with or without your pet), enjoying those milder temps I mentioned earlier? Grab your camera and try for a photo worthy of entry in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge’s annual photo contest (friendsofprimehook.com). One of the area’s best nature photography contests, it benefits not only individual winners (there are prizes!), but also this great local resource. Another way to enjoy—and support—the great outdoors: the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays’ annual Decked Out fundraiser returns to the Inland Bays the end of September (inlandbays.com). Maybe you’d like to directly benefit someone yourself—maybe by becoming a mentor? Read Anya Lindsey-Jenkins’s inspiring story of her own path to mentorship on page 27. (Ms. LindseyJenkins is Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Delaware.) There’s lots to enjoy in our area this time of year—let’s get out and welcome fall!

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.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

3 Letters

Battle of the Bachelors

n August 15, Aqua Bar & Grill hosted CAMP Rehoboth’s 12th annual Battle of the Bachelors fundraiser. With $20,000 raised to support CAMP Rehoboth’s mission, special thanks go to the owners and staff of Aqua and The

Pines, the wonderful bachelors and bachelorette, swimsuit sponsor Beach Essentials, and especially to each of the winning bidders. Lorne Crawford, auctioneer extraordinaire, and the fabulous Kristina Kelly delivered a fantastic show! ▼

CAMP Rehoboth Block Party

n October 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., join CAMP RehoCAMP REHOBOTH both on Baltimore Avenue for the annual Block Party. Don’t miss out on this day of celebration and performances, featuring local restaurants, caterers, businesses, non-profits, and other organizations. The Block Party is a tremendous way to reach a broad and diverse group of attendees, while supporting CAMP Rehoboth. Information on vendor registration is available at camprehoboth.com. COVID Safety: This event will follow the safety protocols in place on this date. CAMP Rehoboth staff and volunteers supporting the event are fully vaccinated. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated and currently are asking both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals to wear masks indoors due to the virulent nature of the variants.▼

2021

CAMP Rehoboth Handmade Market Celebrates One Year

Oh, Give Me a Home…

n September 10, CAMP Rehoboth celebrated one year of its monthly Handmade Market. The market has flourished as it promoted local LGBTQ artists and makers on the second Friday of each month. Artists using a variety of mediums, including glass art, clay, soap, CBD products, paintings, and handbags have participated in the market. Now on hiatus, the Handmade Market will hold a holiday extravaganza on Friday, December 10. ▼ Letters 4 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Shoppers marvel at the latest goods from Miss Millie Ceramics.

Can the iconic Dolle’s sign find a new home in Rehoboth? Dolle’s Candyland owner Tom Ibach has offered to donate the 25-foot tall, 35-foot long (and heavy!) sign to the city—if a place can be found for it by December 31, 2021. That’s the date the sign must be removed from the rooftop at the building at the corner of Rehoboth Avenue and boardwalk. Here’s hoping! ▼

SPEAKOut National LGBTQ+ Women’s Community Survey

he federal government collects data on many aspects of life, from housing to healthcare, from family life to work and sources of income. But almost none of these studies include LGBTQ+ identifiers. Hence, there is little national data about the lives of LGBTQ+ women. The National LGBTQ+ Women’s Community Survey is a comprehensive national study distributed online and available in English and Spanish. A firstof-its-kind, grassroots community survey, it is designed to address the significant gaps in knowledge, policy analysis, organizing, and advocacy surrounding the life experiences, needs, priorities, and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ women, their partners, and their families. The purpose of the survey is to capture information on the wide range of experiences which exist among lesbian, bi, translesbian, nonbinary, queer, and intersex people. Lesbian, bi, pansexual,

trans, intersex, asexual, and queer women who partner with women; trans men who want to report on their experience of partnering with women when they identified as or were perceived to be girls or women; and non-binary people who partner with or have partnered with women—all are invited to participate. The survey is being done under the umbrella of Justice Work, a nonprofit think tank. It is supported by many leading LGBTQ funders and partner organizations; a list of supporters is available at lgbtqwomensurvey.org/partners. Detailed information about the study team and the project’s advisory committee can be found at lgbtqwomensurvey.org/team Open till December 2021, the survey can be accessed at: lgbtqwomensurvey. org or (directly) at lgbtqwomensurvey.org/ survey. Time required to complete the survey is estimated at 30-40 minutes. ▼

Dogfish Head Special Edition Beer to Benefit CAMP Rehoboth

ogfish Head is partnering with CAMP Rehoboth to continue its generous support in an exciting and fun way. On Wednesday, October 20, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats Off-Centered emPOURium in Rehoboth Beach will launch its seasonal Au Courant brew. The launch will be combined with a Beer & Benevolence Party Night; 10 percent of food and beverage sales that night will benefit CAMP Rehoboth. Said Mark Carter, of Dogfish Head, “We’re proud to be giving back to CAMP Rehoboth, a non-profit community service organization dedicated to creating a positive environment inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities in Rehoboth Beach and its related communities. Join us for some eats and drinks from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on October 20; 10 percent of the proceeds will go to CAMP Rehoboth to support all of the amazing

Dear Editor, As anxious as we all are to resume “Ladies 2000” events, we are concerned that the new strain of Covid may hamper that. So, for the time being, we will hold off on planning anything until the time is prudent, We can’t wait to dance, laugh, party, and enjoy each other soon. As always, we thank you for your continuous support and encouragement, stay tuned. Diane Lusk and the entire “Ladies” staff

Send letters to the editor (300 words or fewer) to editor@camprehoboth.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Delaware Pride on October 2

work that they do for our community.” But it doesn’t end there! Starting October 20 and running through December 2021, a four-pack to-go of Au Courant, or a pint of Au Courant enjoyed at the Pub, also benefit CAMP Rehoboth. Look for CAMP Rehoboth’s name on the label. ▼

n Saturday, October 2, Delaware Pride will take place at Legislative Hall in Dover from 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. Admission to the family-friendly festival is free; everyone, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, is welcome. Don’t miss the fabulous entertainment, including Manhattan Prairie Dogs, Aunt Mary Pat DiSabatino, Miss Troy, Antony Cherrie, Marielle Kraft, Josh Zuckerman, Chris Jehnert, and many more! CAMP Rehoboth is a proud sponsor of Delaware Pride.▼ SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

5 Letters

Intentionally Inclusive

BY WES COMBS

Sun Festival’s Big Tent

s the saying goes, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” For the second year in a row, the pandemic forced CAMP Rehoboth to reimagine the event formerly known as Sundance. Holding a dance was just not the prudent thing to do because of the uptick in breakthrough infections. The staff and Board were as frustrated as the seniors of Elmore High School in the movie Footloose. For those who may not have seen the film, it is based on a true story about a town in Oklahoma that outlawed dancing within the city limits for religious reasons. That created an obvious barrier to the seniors who wanted to celebrate at the prom with their friends. In many ways, Sundance was no different because each Labor Day the community came together to mark an important milestone celebrating all-things-CAMPRehoboth and dancing the night away with friends and family. Like Elmore’s senior class, the staff and Board were determined to find a way to continue this annual tradition and accomplish the same goals: raising vital funds to support CAMP Rehoboth while at the same time providing opportunities for community members to celebrate with one another. Instead of lamenting that the usual format just was not possible, the planning committee used this opportunity to reimagine Sundance. There were certain ground rules: whatever we planned had to leave people feeling a sense of camaraderie— mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together. Safety was also top of mind, which meant offering multiple, safe ways for people to join the fun. The result was Sun Festival, a weeklong series of events that allowed many different segments of our community to join in based on their comfort level. What I loved about the concept was it allowed us to be intentionally inclusive by incorporating events that engaged Letters 6 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

a more diverse audience who want to support to CAMP, but for whom dancing is not their “thing.” This first began 12 years ago when CAMP added a 5K, Biathlon, and One-Mile Walk, offering people the chance to run, walk, and swim outdoors—all to support CAMP Rehoboth. Because music is a universal language, it was a common theme at almost every Sun Festival event. At Iron Hill Brewery on Monday night, more than 300 people gathered over food and drinks to hear music by the women of local band Off 24.

Because music is a universal language, it was a common theme at almost every Sun Festival event. This year CAMP hosted the firstever Sun Festival Cornhole Tournament and Field Party, where more than 100 people competed or cheered on fiercely competitive teams of mostly women. Special guest DJ Viki Dee spun tunes and a food truck fueled those who worked up an appetite. Because Labor Day is synonymous with dancing at CAMP Rehoboth, we contacted three amazing businesses to help us deliver what many thought was impossible. Dance events benefitting CAMP held at Aqua Bar and Grill, Port 251, and Diego’s throughout the week brought men and women of all ages to the dancefloor once again. Just hearing the pulsating anthems at Aqua while dancing at my table outside brought a huge smile to my face and many others’ faces that night. The two final events, Friday’s performance by the musical comedy

group The Skivvies, and Saturday’s concert featuring Broadway star Jennifer Holliday, sealed the deal for me. Community members of all ages, races, sexual orientations, and gender identities came together to put on a show like none other in the past two years. I witnessed firsthand the passion and dedication of volunteers who used décor, lights, and flowers to transform the ordinary convention center into an intimate venue. But it was the hundreds of attendees who came out to support CAMP Rehoboth that blew me away. Everywhere I turned I saw familiar as well as new faces, all beaming with excitement from behind their masks. It truly felt like almost 30 other Labor Day weekends I have spent in Rehoboth’s Convention Center where friends and so many others came together to support the organization so many of us cherish. The icing on the cake occurred when Jennifer Holliday closed the show with dance hit “No Frills Love.” As a group of us jumped to our feet and danced off to the side, I experienced an endorphin rush I so sorely missed and needed. In the coming months, we will take time to assess what worked and what changes we may consider for next year. I know one thing for sure: we will always seek to make Sun Festival and other CAMP events as inclusive as possible. We cannot afford to do otherwise. ▼ Wesley Combs, a CAMP Rehoboth Board member, is a diversity and inclusion expert, executive coach, and a passionate social justice advocate. He is the founding principal of Combs Advisory Services where he works with clients who share his values of enabling equity, equality, and opportunity in the workplace and the community.

CAMP REHOBOTH

2021

SAVE THE DATE!

SUNDAY OCTOBER 10 11 AM-4 PM On the 2nd block of Baltimore Avenue

Vendor information available at CAMP Rehoboth. Call: 302-227-5620 Visit: camprehoboth.com

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

7 Letters

WHO’s That?... That’s CAMP! BY ANITA BROCCOLINO, CAMP REHOBOTH DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Sun Festival 2021 Delights & Delivers The Sun, Moon, and Stars Come Out for CAMP Rehoboth

Letters 8 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

n the best tradition of CAMP Rehoboth, the Sun Festival 2021 events ran, swam, sang, and danced through days and nights as August ended and September began. In keeping with this week of joyous festivities, Broadway star Jennifer Holliday received multiple standing ovations inside the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center before she even got to her last song. The concert on Saturday, September 4, by the Grammy and Tony award-winning Dreamgirl, marked the culmination of events that spanned eight days before ending over Labor Day weekend. Sun Festival 2021 kicked off on Sunday, August 29, with 130+ CAMP Rehoboth supporters who walked, ran, and swam in the Sun Festival 5K, Biathlon, and One-Mile Walk. “The ocean waters were choppy this year,” remarked Board Chair Chris Beagle, who helped oversee the afterparty. “But our swimmers persevered, and the amazing Rehoboth Beach lifeguards were on hand to keep everyone safe! We thank the Seashore Striders who did a great job running this event for us.” Our top Biathlon (Bike/Swim) winner: T. Doney, a 12- year-old from Silver Spring, Maryland, who energized the crowd and is sure to be a contender again in our future races! Other Biathlon winners: Jon Tower (48, Middletown, Delaware), and Scott Forsythe (54, Toledo, Ohio). Winners in the 5K Run: Enos Benbow (39, Georgetown, Delaware) and Aaron Tikiob (13, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware); and in the One-Mile Walk: Hannah Simone (57, Lewes, Delaware) and Leslie Ledogar (58, Lewes, Delaware). A fun awards and afterparty followed at CAMP Rehoboth, with support from Lighthouse Catering, Dogfish Head Beer, the City of Rehoboth, and some incredible volunteers like Eric Englehart and Michael Fetchko who prepped the food and served it, with help from Leslie Sinclair and Debbie Woods. By noon on Sunday, the CAMP Reho-

both Sun Festival Auction had opened on-line with over 135 items donated by generous businesses, restaurants, and community partners. All donations were beautifully presented by CAMP Rehoboth Board Member Natalie Moss. Opening Day culminated with Aqua Bar & Grill hosting a fabulous Renegade-style throw-back tea dance and give-back event, and our community reveled in the excitement. Knowing the community’s love of parties and dances, CAMP Rehoboth partnered with four local establishments to provide opportunities throughout the week for all in our community to party together. Proceeds from each of the events benefitted CAMP. On Monday, August 30, a talented new, all-girl band, Off 24, played to a packed house at Iron Hill Brewery during their Giveback to CAMP event. (Read more about Off 24 on page 28.) On Tuesday, Sun Festival brought the inaugural Corn Hole Tournament to the week’s festivities, with an impressive 24 teams and 120+ fans cheering them on. The efforts, led by Rina Pelligrini and Beth Petitte, in conjunction with CAMP Rehoboth staff, produced an exciting event under the lights at the Little League fields on Holland Glade Road. The masterful, smooth voice and music of DJ Viki Dee filled the air as bean bags were tossed to and fro. And Dixie’s Downhome Cooking food truck provided the perfect complement to our outdoor tournament. It was a nail-biter of a finish as Noah Cohen and Robert Dominic squared off against Jodi Foster and Carole Pellicano. The women ultimately prevailed during the double-elimination tournament finale. Despite tumultuous weather on Wednesday, Diego’s Bar & Grill unveiled their version of Studio 54, complete with disco balls and tunes spun by DJ Jeff Harrison. Primed for the evening, some attendees came out in their best disco ball look-alike costumes, leisure suits, platform heels, and groovy dresses.

A spirited crowd gathered on Thursday downtown at the port—Port 251 that is! The Natalie Darkes Band was rocking the tunes and the mood, already celebratory, amped up a notch when lead singers Nick Cearley and Lauren Molina of The Skivvies popped by to say hello and enjoy a beverage. Friday night opening act Mona Lotts got the crowd revved up and ready for The Skivvies, but not before introducing Lorne Crawford, our returning auctioneer. Crawford live-auctioned some especially fun items such as the axe-throwing party donated by Lefty’s Alley and Eats. Saturday night commenced with another local favorite: Magnolia Applebottom showcased her expansive range of vocal chops before introducing Crawford, who auctioned off more grand items. Saturday night’s set of live auction bidding included a sought-after Olivia Travel Vacation which resulted in a good-fun bidding war between two couples and ended with solid funds raised for CAMP. Art works from Kim Klabbe and the late Lee Wayne Mills, as well as beautiful jewelry which had been donated by Holland Jewelers, each sparked their own bidding frenzies and fundraising. CAMP Rehoboth was thrilled that its Sun Festival was the very first event to take place inside the re-opened Convention Center, and that it helped the City of Rehoboth re-open with a full-on exuberant celebration. The Friday night and Saturday night events at the Convention Center, with The Skivvies on September 3 and Jennifer Holliday on September 4, included everything from the live and online auction offerings to the Sponsors’ VIP Lounge and performer meet-andgreets. “Our goal was to keep the dancing alive this year and keep the communi-

ty safe at the same time,” said CAMP Rehoboth Board Vice President Wes Combs. “Thanks to the support of amazing local businesses, we offered the community multiple opportunities to hit the dance floor. This year’s Sun Festival events, which featured pure star-power combined with exhilarating performances, was just what the doctor ordered for a world still figuring out how to live during a pandemic. The crowds may have been smaller-than-usual, but the buzz was still palpable.”

In the best tradition of CAMP Rehoboth, the Sun Festival 2021 events ran, swam, sang, and danced through days and nights In all, over 2,000 people participated in Sun Festival 2021 events, including the online auction, between Sunday, August 29, and Saturday, September 4. That participation raised over $120,000 to help sustain CAMP Rehoboth. All proceeds go toward helping sustain the important free programming and health, wellness, and art programs which CAMP Rehoboth provides to the community throughout the year. Despite so much still in flux with the pandemic and its re-emergence, CAMP Rehoboth and countless volunteers nonetheless expanded the number of events to span a full week and added a variety of activity options and venues. And they managed to maintain community participation, meanwhile assuring everyone’s safety was first-and-foremost, including proof of vaccination and masks

for the events at the Convention Center. CAMP Rehoboth could not have done this without the generosity of our community and you, our supporters. Personal thanks go to our small-but-mighty staff, our incredible (and seemingly tireless) seasoned—and new—volunteers, and our dedicated Board members. So many people gave so many dozens (hundreds?!) of hours to the effort, as well as their sweat and their tears, to help make the first Sun Festival—Sun Festival 2021—the huge success it was. True, it was an immense undertaking. But it also was an inspiring reminder of our shared humanity, of the significance of connections, and of CAMP Rehoboth’s commitment to taking care of our community—both those who live here and those who visit. And yes, planning has already started for 2022—to include the big dance when everything re-opens to normal capacity! The COVID pandemic showed us just how quickly the world can change with little notice. As we all remain hopeful that a return to a new-and-improved normal is around the corner, we invite you to stay tuned, stay safe, keep dancing, and please, stay involved! We need you. The entire community is better because CAMP Rehoboth exists. And most importantly, remember—YOU are CAMP Rehoboth. ▼ CAMP Rehoboth’s Development Director Anita Broccolino oversees and advances CAMP Rehoboth's development, fundraising, and communications efforts, while helping increase awareness in the community. If you would like to become a member, volunteer for events, or meet with Anita to discuss a donation, legacy, or planned giving gift, please call: 302-2275620 or email: anita@camprehoboth.com. SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

9 Letters

SunFestival C A M P R eho bo th PLATINUM SPONSORS

Edward Chrzanowski

Rodney Street Realty, LLC

silver SPONSORS Beebe Healthcare Chris Beagle & Eric Engelhart Curtis J. Leciejewski, DDS Easyriderstable, Daryl and Chris Fred Munzert & J.P. Lacap Glussich REsource Group of Keller Williams and Teri Agosta

Jennifer Rubenstein & Diane Scobey

Michael Fetchko & Keith Petrack

Jim & Tom Flower

Natalie Moss

John Littlejohn

Richard Gamble & Paul Lindsey

Karen Gustafson, Realtor for Keller Williams

Richard Green & Asi Ohana

Leslie Sinclair & Debbie Woods Mari Blackburn & Christine Lay Melissa & Amanda Kaufman

Richard Perry

Rod Cook and Charlie Browne

Sandy Oropel & Linda Frese

camp supporters Bellmoor Hotel & Spa | Brian Shook & Derek Thomas | Gary Seiden | Jane Blue | James Chalmers

Car

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Deb

Letters 10 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

id a

T he Sk

a y Sta R

w ad o

ies vv

fer H o

GoLD SPONSORS JOE FILIPEK & SondraRICHARDSON N.LARRYArkin

John Jeffrey Brouillette

Summer Logo 1 “A”

JOE FILIPEK & LARRY RICHARDSON

Chris Rinaldi & Brian Powers

Summer Logo 1 “B”

VOLUNTEERS Angie Damen

Doreen Dilorenzo

Joe Vescio

Lisa Soens

Peter Garneau

John Michael Sophos

Lori Griggs

Ray Wilson

Ann Garvey

Doug Sellers

Barbara Antlitz

Eric Englehart

Barbara Breault

Eric Gannon

Barry Moshinski

Erin Reid

Bea Vuocolo

Evelyn Maurmeyer

Beth Petitte

Glen Pruitt

wne

Beverly Miller

Hannah Simone

Brenda Dunn

Harold Marmon

Caroline Pellicano

Jack Anderson

Cathin Bishop

Jackie Maddalena

Chris Beagle

James Mease

Cody Woodfin

Jane Blue

Dan Hayes

Jason Mathis-White

Dave Camorali David Garrett Dawn Kasow Deborah M Woods Deby Daly Devon Singer

John Rhone Karen Anderson Karen Laitman Kate Owens Kathy Board Kathy Casey Kathy Solano Keith Petrack Keven Fitzsimmons Kim Nelson Kim Richards Kim Witnmer

Jeff Davidson

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Jeff Smith

Leslie Ledogar

Jill Masterman

Leslie Sinclair

Jo Gutterman

Lewis Dawley

Joann Glussich

Linda Gregory

Joe Greenhall

Lisa Rabigi

Lori Simmons

Rich Morgan

Mark Eubanks

Richard Dietz

Marta Ortiz

Rina Pellegrini

Mary Ann Brewer

Rob Jasinski

Mary Jo Tarallo

Robert Fleming

Matt Swalga

Robert Hill

Max Dick

Robert Ponzini

Megan Wright

Ron Gluck

Michael Fetchko

Sandra Skidmore

Mike DeFlavia

Steve Bunte

Mollyne Honor

Suzanne Krupa

Monica Fleishmann

Tara J Sheldon

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Tony Dimichele

Natalie Moss

Tracy Mosley

Pat Catanzariti

Wendi Schirvar

Pat Powell

Wes Combs

Patricia Clear

Will Koshinskie

Paul Lindsey

www.camprehoboth.com SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

11 Letters

CAMPNews SAVVY CAREGIVER PROGRAM

CAMP Rehoboth Partners with Easter Seals

C CROP Helps Clean the Beach and Boardwalk

t was a beautiful day in Rehoboth when 14 CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program (CROP) volunteers—plus many others—turned out to participate in DNREC's 34th annual Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 11. DNREC (the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control) specifically reached out to CAMP Rehoboth, recruiting for a Site Captain

at Rehoboth Beach, and CROP team leader Debbie Woods stepped up to fill that role. The group of 38 volunteers split up into two groups, scouring the public beach along the entire length of the boardwalk. Many of those enjoying the beach expressed their gratitude for the volunteers’ efforts. It was a rewarding day, keeping our beaches clean and Rehoboth beautiful. ▼

Women’s FEST: Save the Dates!

omen’s FEST 2022 dates are set for April 7-10, 2022. The event is being led by this year’s Chair, Lisa Soens, with advisory support from Nancy Hewish. New volunteers are welcome—in fact, encouraged!—to get involved and be a part of making 2022 a great comeback year, helping to infuse new ideas and activities into the mix. Volunteers interested in participating in key leadership and/or supporting roles should email: development@camprehoboth.com and include WF 2022 in the subject line. Online volunteer sign-ups for specific tasks and weekof activities will be available soon, as will be announcements of the special music, entertainment, and presenter line-ups. ▼ MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Tiny Beautiful Things Rescheduled

AMP Rehoboth Theatre Company’s production of Tiny Beautiful Things has been rescheduled for November 5-7, in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium. The play, based on writings by Cheryl Strayed and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, is directed by Russell Letters 12 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Stiles and stage managed by Teri Seaton. It follows Sugar (played by Gwen Osborne) as an advice columnist confronting a variety of questions from letter writers (Matty Brown, Di Counts, and Rick Welk) with “radical sincerity and open arms.” ▼

AMP Rehoboth, in partnership with Easter Seals, is pleased to bring back The Savvy Caregiver, a popular series specifically for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. The series is an educational program focused on providing caregivers with tools to help them care for their loved ones. Each session provides the basic knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to handle the challenges that come with these diseases. This program starts October 19 and continues weekly on Tuesdays through November 23. Sessions will take place in-person at CAMP Rehoboth Community Center’s Elkins-Archibald Atrium. If you or someone you know cares for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia, this is a series you won't want to miss. This series is free; however, registration is required. To register, email resources@esdel.org or call 302 253-1129 for more information. ▼

Flu Clinic Set for October 5, 2021

et your flu shot for FREE at CAMP Rehoboth! On Tuesday, October 5, CAMP Rehoboth once again teams up with Beebe Healthcare to offer free flu shots at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. Flu shots are available to anyone over the age of 18. Flu shots will be available from noon till 6:00 p.m. No appointment is needed—just walk in anytime during the flu clinic hours. ▼

Cancer isn’t waiting for COVID-19 to be over. One in three Delawareans will get cancer. Unfortunately, many have put off their cancer screenings in the past year. Screenings detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable. If you’ve skipped or canceled a screening due to the pandemic — for breast, cervical, colon, lung, or prostate cancer — don’t wait one more day. Call your health care provider to schedule your cancer screenings today. If you don’t have a provider, we can help. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for free screenings. To learn more about eligibility requirements and recommended cancer screenings, and other information, please visit HealthyDelaware.org/Cancer. To schedule your cancer screening by phone: Call your health care provider, dial 2-1-1, or speak directly with a nurse navigator at the health system nearest you, below. ChristianaCare: 302-216-3557 Bayhealth: 302-216-8328 Beebe Healthcare: 302-291-4380

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

13 Letters

Out & Proud

BY STEFANI DEOUL

Hashtag 18 Is LIFE

ometimes columns are clean and linear, simple from start to finish. Other columns, let’s just say they meander a bit, slowly building to what a writer prays will be a rocking crescendo. And today, that prayer might be answered, as this is being typed on what is known in Judaism as the (pause for dramatic effect) Days of Awe. And while it’s an imposing moniker, for readers of other beliefs it remains much less known than its bookends, Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). The Days of Awe is the 10-day period between those two and is so-named because we have an awesome burden, individually and collectively, to atone for our misdeeds, to make peace with our brothers and sisters, and then to face God’s judgment. And atonement, if we’re all honest, is pretty tricky right now. I’m not so sure there’s been anybody living through our turbulent times who hasn’t sinned, once…or thrice. But since we’re not all storming the local synagogue, elbowing for a repentance slot, what can we do? A Numerological Answer… We can look to the number 18. In Judaism, 18, known as Chai, means life. Eighteen is also a composite number, its divisors being 1, 2, 3, 6, and 9. Three of these divisors (3, 6, and 9) add up to 18, hence 18 is also a semi-perfect number. It’s also the only number where the sum of its written digits in base 10 (1+8 = 9) is equal to half of itself (18/2 = 9). In Affinity Numerology, the number 18 speaks to humanitarianism, independence, and building something of lasting benefit. Its very essence is the welfare of humanity. A Call to Action… What if we lift everybody up through an act of charity, through tzedakah (in Hebrew, the word used for charity, tzedakah, is also the word meaning Letters 14 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

righteousness), leaning into the number 18, life, to lead the way. We are so fortunate, so blessed, to live in our town. And while honestly, I’ll probably be among those who will be back atoning next year, I’d like to think it can be with a better-balanced scale. A little less atone, a little more tzedak.

If you don’t have $18, maybe you can dig up 18 pennies and put them in a charity box at a store, snap a photo, #18isLife. We in Rehoboth (Lewes, DC, New Jersey, Pennsylvania…) should nurture a Movement of 18. I suggest giving donations in amounts of 18 to charities that are specifically not political but are humanitarian (or knowing my deep love of the Brandywine Valley SPCA, dogitarian). I say let’s take a moment to lift each other up. How to Join the Movement… Say you dine out and with the tip it comes to $16.50—leave $18 and hashtag it #18isLife. If you don’t have $18, maybe you can dig up 18 pennies and put them in a charity box at a store, snap a photo, #18isLife. Did I hear you say you have $36— double Chai! Twice the Life. And about that $1,800 you have an itch to give—I know CAMP Rehoboth would love to chat about how many services you will empower. Don’t like to give cash, how about 18 boxes of pasta to a food bank? Or 18 cans of peas? #18isLife.

This Movement Is the Mission… Not everyone remembers CAMP Rehoboth stands for Create a More Positive Rehoboth. We have done that. And we’re not the only ones.… BVSPCA was busy rescuing planeloads of pets from Hurricane Ida, which thankfully did not wreak havoc here. According to the Talmud (Sanhedrin 37a) “Whoever saves a single life is considered to have saved the whole world.” So if you adopt a pet from BVSPCA you actually save two lives—the one you brought home, and the bed you opened up for another. Come to think of it, maybe you save three—if you count your own…. As I typed, Dale Dunning over at Jusst Sooup ladled near 100 bowls of soup to those who need a hot meal and a warm touch. And winter is still months away! At Epworth Church, working with the Good Samaritan Ministry and their Food Rescue Ministry, over 900 bags of groceries are given to local people in need of food. (The Food Rescue folks “rescue” food that’s been pulled from the shelves of local restaurants and stores. In 2019, Wawa and Panera and Surf Bagel and Weis and Giant and so many others donated almost 211,500 pounds of food—all of which was put to very good use!) So, let’s make our own Days of Awe. For ourselves and for our community. Let’s say we’re sorry by lifting each other up, 18 at a time! #18isLife. ▼ Stefani Deoul is a television producer and author of the award-winning YA mystery series Sid Rubin Silicon Alley Adventures, with On a LARP, Zero Sum Game, and Say Her Name.

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15 Letters

CommunityNews Sea Witch Festival

ctober 29-31, join the Rehoboth Beach/Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce for the 31st Annual Sea Witch® Festival. Popular activities include the costume parade, dog parade, Sea Witch® hunt, kid’s games on the beach, trick-or-treating, hayrides, vendor area, and free live entertainment on the bandstand all weekend long. One of the festival’s biggest attractions is the costume parade, which steps off on Rehoboth Avenue at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, October 30, and features vehicles, floats, individuals, and groups. ▼

100 Women Who Care of Southern Delaware Presents Check to Richard Allen Coalition

n Thursday, August 12, 100 Women Who Care of Southern Delaware presented a check for $7,500 to the Richard Allen Coalition, Inc. (RAC) to aid with necessary renovations to the Richard Allen School in Georgetown, Delaware. The school opened its doors in the 1920s as one of 80 schools built by philanthropist Pierre S. DuPont for African-American children in Delaware.

2021 Pink Affair Cancer Support Community Delaware (CSCD) announces its 2021 Pink Affair, to be held on Friday, October 29, at the Dewey Hyatt. The annual luncheon and boutique shopping event will begin at 12 noon and end at 3:00 p.m. Tickets for the luncheon and boutique shopping opportunity are $60.00. Raffles, a silent auction, and 50/50 chances are also available at the Pink Affair Luncheon. Luncheon registration will open at 9:00 a.m. Monday, September 20, at cancersupportdelaware.org. ▼

One of the “DuPont Colored Schools,” it continued to serve as the heart of the African-American community for more than a half-century. In 2010, a small group came together to form the Richard Allen Coalition, Inc. They are a diverse group with a common goal: to restore the school so it can once again be a cultural, civic, and educational center. For more information: richardallenschoolgeorgetown.com. ▼

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Letters 16 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

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17 Letters

CAMP Houses

BY RICH BARNETT

The Man Who Lives in a Doghouse

hat makes for a good creative space? Ask a hundred people and you’ll undoubtedly get a hundred different answers. Ask Michael Muller, the writer and illustrator best known for his children’s books, greeting cards, t-shirts, and plush toys featuring a personable black and white Boston terrier named Mirabelle (R.I.P. 2020) and he’ll talk about the small guest house pied-à-terre he rents and shares with his current dogs, Henry and Amelia, in Kings Creek Country Club here in Rehoboth. He considers the place his getaway from the hustle and bustle of Baltimore where he runs his Mirabelle company, which continues to flourish even after Mirabelle’s departure to that great doghouse in the sky. Michael comes and spends his weekdays in Rehoboth for the peace and creative stimulation his little guest house and the beach provides and then heads back to his rowhouse in Baltimore on the weekends to fulfill orders and take care of other company matters. It’s a bit backwards from what most people probably do, but for a creative type it certainly makes sense. The guest house is small, but it meets his needs with a combined living/work/ kitchen space, a sleeping alcove, and a bathroom. “Décor-wise the space is a quiet pale gray with pops of pattern and color in the boho chic carpets and drapes. A crazy Todd Oldham unicorn bedspread keeps the creative muses happy. And, of course, there are boxes of Mirabelle products,” he says with a laugh. “The best feature, though, is a huge glass wall and glass doors that open up the entire place onto a patio and a large lawn facing the woods which the dogs love…. All that glass lets in plenty of light and makes it a great place for me to write and draw and for them to nap,” Michael explains. In fact, the guest house is where he wrote and illustrated his two newest Mirabelle books due out this summer: Mirabelle Has a Birthday and Mirabelle Loves Rehoboth. The latter is a sort of ode to Rehoboth, a very dog-friendly Letters 18 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

town. Spoiler alert—President Biden’s dogs make an appearance in the book! The books are collaborations with Browseabout Books’ owner Susan Kehoe, a longtime fan of the Mirabelle books and a supporter of local authors.

“It warms my heart to know that special little dog is still bringing joy into the world.” I can’t help myself from thinking it, so I’m just gonna say it…. The man lives in a doghouse! I mean it in a good way, of course, because he tells me he’s always been comfortable living in small spaces with dogs. Some readers will remember when he and his business partner, Tom, owned and ran Details Gallery on Church Street and then on Baltimore Avenue back in the early 2000s. They lived above the Baltimore Avenue gallery with Mirabelle and two older Boston terriers. Even before that, when he and Tom came to spend summers in Rehoboth, they’d rent a small apartment with their dogs on top of the Philip Morton Gallery on Baltimore Avenue. See what I mean.… “Having dogs around is very calming,” Michael says. “And while I have loved all

my dogs, there was something special about Mirabelle, whom Tom gave me as a Christmas gift when we first opened the shop.” Michael named the dog after the main character Mirabelle Buttersfield in comedian Steve Martin’s book Shop Girl, about the life of a young woman selling evening gloves in a Neiman Marcus store in Beverly Hills. True to her name, Mirabelle became a shop girl, a fixture in the gallery. “From day one, people were drawn to her, in the shop, on the street when we went walking, and even in the Sea Witch® pet parade. She once appeared on a Chamber of Commerce tourist guide map. I always said she was more known about town than me…. And since she grew up in Rehoboth, I suppose it was inevitable that I’d write a book about her life in Rehoboth.” Watching how people reacted to the personable little black-and-white dog is what inspired Michael to begin designing Mirabelle cards, t-shirts, and tote bags which led to his books and then the creation of an entire company of products based around the dog’s name, image, and likeness. And even though she’s no longer here, people—kids especially—are still drawn to Mirabelle. Michael tells me about the photos he receives of kids in the hospital holding Mirabelle plush toys and books. Boston University—whose mascot is a Boston terrier—uses the Mirabelle books in one of its community reading programs for children. He himself has even been inspired to work with Boston terrier rescue groups. “It warms my heart to know that special little dog is still bringing joy into the world.” And with those final words from Michael Muller, I don’t think there’s anything more that I need to add, except maybe to remind you all to look for the book and support local Rehoboth writers. Woof! ▼ Rich Barnett is the author of The Discreet Charms of a Bourgeois Beach Town, and Fun with Dick and James.

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

19 Letters

Words Matter

BY CLARENCE FLUKER

Let’s Walk the Road to Recovery Together

t was the most vulnerable experience I’d ever shared with someone I was dating and after all these years it remains one of the most impactful and meaningful. I am grateful that he chose to open up to me and bring me into his world. It helped me see the world differently thereafter. We’d been spending time with each other on and off for a couple of months and I was growing suspicious. He had a pattern of not being available at specific times on certain days of the week. There was language that he’d use that sounded like things I’d hear from my uncle. Then one day I was at his apartment and noticed a book. Of course, people can have books in their home that don’t belong to them, that someone has left or that they’ve borrowed. Though in this case, I suspected that it was his book. I didn’t mention it because I didn’t want him to think I was snooping or perhaps the bigger reason was that I just didn’t feel comfortable asking. Either way, I said nothing. Not long after that day, he called me around one of the same times he’d typically go silent. I was surprised by the call and even more amazed when he asked if I was busy and if I weren’t, would I go somewhere with him. I jumped at the invitation and within 15 minutes he was pulling up to my apartment to pick me up. Once I got in the car, he confirmed what I had been thinking. That pattern that I’d noticed around him being exceptionally quiet was aligned with his calendar of 12-Step program meetings. The book I noticed belonged to him. He was in recovery. This day, he wanted to not only share with me that he was in recovery, but to bring me to one of his meetings. It was a privilege. In my teenage years I’d gone to a couple of my uncle’s anniversary celebrations. I was so proud of him. On his recovery journey he’d gone back to finish college, earned a graduate degree, become an addiction counselor, and chaired the board of a substance abuse and treatment center for lowincome individuals providing culturally competent programs and services with great dignity and care.

I think our LGBTQ+ community can continue to do a better job of being more inclusive and thoughtful about our brothers and sisters in recovery.

Letters 20 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

What I recalled most about those anniversary gatherings and meetings I attended alongside him was the sense of community that permeated the space and every interaction. That afternoon, when I walked into the room with the guy I was seeing, that feeling of community rushed over me again. I’m sure to overcome substance abuse and addiction—of any form—community is essential. I think our LGBTQ+ community can continue to do a better job of being more inclusive and thoughtful about our brothers and sisters in recovery. There are opportunities all around us to normalize and socialize language and behaviors that don’t stigmatize, shame, or isolate. How many times have you heard someone insist that another person have a (another) drink? How often do you find yourself asking someone out for a drink as the default for a date? When groups you’re a member of are planning social events and fundraisers, are you intentional about pushing for venues that aren’t always bars or clubs? Do you spend as much time thinking about the mocktail menu as the cocktail menu? Have you considered why on dating apps you always swipe left on the people who say they lead sober lifestyles? Have you challenged people when you’ve heard them say they don’t enjoy hanging around people who aren’t drinking because they aren’t ‘fun’ anymore? September is National Recovery Month and this year’s theme is Recovery Is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community. Alcohol and drug addiction affects our community. I invite you to spend some time over the next few weeks doing some self-reflection and consider how you can make a difference in your family, our community, or your own life, on the road to recovery. ▼ Clarence J. Fluker is a public affairs and social impact strategist. Since 2008, he’s also been a contributing writer for Swerv, a lifestyle periodical celebrating African American LGBTQ+ culture and community. Follow him on Twitter: @CJFluker or Instagram: Mr_CJFluker

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21 Letters

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS BY MARJ SHANNON ImpACT Story

Creating a More Positive Community—for All If our ACTions truly speak louder than words, then the ImpACT of CAMP Rehoboth is most evident not only in our advocacy work, but in the day-today programs, classes, free counseling, and health testing we offer that touch individual lives. The Membership Matters team is bringing you one story monthly to help celebrate the successes your membership gift and matching donations make possible. Stay tuned each issue to see how even a minor ACTion can have a huge impact on one—or many—lives in our community.

Letters 22 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

“T

he people for whom we provided a meal weren’t the only ones who benefited from that dinner,” says Debbie Woods, a longtime volunteer with CAMP Rehoboth’s Outreach Program (CROP). “The 13 volunteers who came together to make that meal possible—and all the CAMP Rehoboth members who helped to fund it—were so grateful for the sense of shared purpose and for the opportunity to provide a community service.” In late-March 2021, Delaware was still struggling through an ongoing pandemic, and all that implies: stress, loneliness, restrictions, limitations, regulations, and fear. Vaccinations were underway, but only among certain portions of the population. The light at the end of the tunnel seemed both distant and dim. Undaunted by that challenging scenario, the CROP volunteers decided to make someone’s day brighter. They ended up brightening the days of 75 “someones.” They did that by responding to a need expressed by A Sheltering Heart, a component of the Lighthouse for Broken Wings. The non-profit was sheltering 62 homeless people—including 26 children—at the AmericInn in Rehoboth Beach and needed help with supplying meals. Long-time volunteers Debbie Woods and Leslie Sinclair devised a threephase approach to meeting that need. First came “the plan”—raising funds, enlisting volunteers, and delegating essential duties. Debbie and Leslie did some preparatory pre-shopping—and calculations—to inform the fundraising and shopping efforts. For example, how many packages of what size of mac ‘n cheese would it take to feed 62 people? How many brownies could they get from each box of brownie mix? What was all that going to cost?

Estimates in place, they launched a Give Lively fundraising campaign that shortly yielded about $500—more than enough to fund the meals. Plans moved forward. Next up: a Zoom meeting for the 13 volunteers who signed on to help, with each person assigned to shop or cook or drive.

…how many packages of what size of mac ‘n cheese would it take to feed 62 people? Shopping complete, the cooks stepped up to prep and heat and chop and slice and package the food. The resultant meals included pulled pork and chicken tenders, mac ‘n cheese, sliced fresh veggies, applesauce, and brownies. The drivers then delivered the meals to the AmericInn. That meal made for the brighter day enjoyed by 75 people: the 62 people sheltering, and also the 13 volunteers. Volunteers found great satisfaction in providing a direct service to the community and to families in need. But also, they found a sense of camaraderie as they worked within and across teams to meet this need. And, especially for first-time CROP volunteers, they found new connections along the way. Even as it serves the broader community, CAMP Rehoboth also “creates a more positive” community within as volunteers step up to help and find they, too, are beneficiaries of the effort. ▼

rehoboth guest 28-02_Layout 1 3/30/2018 2:13 PM Page 1

Sometimes just by CREATING A MORE POSITIVE Community for ALL

Join CAMP Rehoboth and Become a Member TODAY! Read our ImpACT Story, “Creating a More Positive Community— for All” on Page 22. SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

23 Letters

Volunteer Spotlight

SUBMITTED BY KAREN LAITMAN

A Life of Service

ama Viola was born and raised in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, graduating from Dunmore High School in 1980. She had various jobs prior to joining the military, including bank teller and armed guard for the armored truck that delivered to the bank where she worked. In her free time, she helped her father on his construction jobs. Joining the Army enabled her to travel the world and to acquire many more skills. Tama always jumped at the chance to learn and “wear a new hat.” She had many “hats” in her military career, from supply duties to financial services to running a mail room. She retired as a Master Sergeant specializing in personnel resource management. After retirement she took up golf, tried ballroom dancing, and even took a cooking class. She did a lot of fun things including jumping out of an airplane and being a contestant on Wheel of Fortune. She is always looking for new adventures!

What has been your best memory volunteering with CAMP Rehoboth? The Suede event! It was so nice to meet new people and it was great to see the faces I have missed since the pandemic.

When did you start volunteering with CAMP Rehoboth? I have been a member of CAMP Rehoboth for over five years and was initially called upon to build shelves for a storage unit. My first “official” CAMP Rehoboth volunteer gig was for Suede’s performance at Epworth United Methodist Church (EUMC) last month.

Are you concerned about the possible loss of rights for the LGBTQ community? Please explain why or why not. I think everyone in the LGBTQ community is concerned about losing rights that have taken us so long to obtain. We have come too far to go backward even one step. I appreciate the generations of women who came before me to help clear the path for me.

What events/activities have you been involved with as a volunteer? My earliest memory of volunteering was helping sort clothes after Hurricane Agnes flooded Northeastern Pennsylvania in 1972. I was 10 years old. During high school I took a cake-decorating class and made many cakes for our bake sales. I also walked dogs at the local shelter. After Desert Storm began, I became the first female member of my hometown VFW, where I later became the first female commander. I was a volunteer deputy for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which was a great way to enjoy the outdoors and meet new people. I was also a volunteer firefighter for a small town where I lived. And, for fun, I spent many hours volunteering at a horse farm, taking care of show horses. After moving to Delaware, I became involved with food rescue at EUMC, which provides food to those in need. Last year, prior to COVID, I volunteered with the Women’s Build for Habitat for Humanity. It was very rewarding; I’m looking forward to the next build. During COVID, I grocery shopped and ran errands for my elderly neighbors. I live in a great community and enjoy helping my neighbors. Letters 24 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Name a childhood mentor or someone who influenced you. My mother was my greatest influence. I like to think I have a lot of her qualities—her independence, strong morals, compassion, and of course her love of dance. We even took country line dance lessons together. She passed away too soon; I know she would have loved it here at the beach. The LGBTQ community has made significant progress in the fight for equality over recent years. Did you expect to see this in your lifetime? Thoughts? I was in the military during “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Early in my career, I had a scare when a relationship ended and I received threats about throwing me out of the military. I was lucky that my career did not end. From then on, I stayed below the radar, not risking a discharge. I never imagined that the LGBTQ community would come so far. I attended my very first Pride parade with great friends in Washington, DC in 2019. It was so gratifying, seeing how far we have come and seeing so many young people not afraid to be out!

What brings you joy? My life at the beach, my love of dancing, and my dog, Annabelle! Annabelle loves to dress up and has her own closet for the many wardrobe changes we have made over her 10 years. She has been featured in Letters (CAMP Critters), and won $1,000 in the 2020 DelmarvaLife Facemask contest. (We donated the money to the Delaware Food Bank.) This year Annabelle became the mascot of the Delaware Senior Olympics—she even has her own Facebook page! She is my joy, which I happily share with the world. ▼ Karen Laitman is a member of CAMP Rehoboth’s Volunteer Development Committee.

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

25 Letters

health+wellness

By Marj Shannon

My Next Pet

ictured here is Becky, who may well be my last dog. She is just six, so I’m hoping to enjoy her for several years yet. But beyond that, well…. I’ve been walking dogs, and making vet and groomer visits, and holding every-evening training/playtime sessions with them for decades. Maybe I’ll be ready for a change. But I won’t be ready to be dog-less. I love having an animal companion. As I also love technology, it occurred to me that maybe I’d like a robotic dog. Studies demonstrate the benefits of pets (both real and robotic), e.g., reduced stress, better mood, and less loneliness. Many models are readily available and, though pricey, the lifetime cost of the real thing is pricey too. I thought first about Aibo, Sony’s robotic dog that entered the consumer market in 1999. I was intrigued when I read about it in the early-aughts, but in 2006 it was discontinued. However—it reappeared in 2018, new-and-improved. Once very robotic in appearance, Aibo now vaguely resembles a terrier and comes in colors much more alluring than its original metallic silver, e.g., white, caramel, and tri-color. There are other robotic pets— chiefly dogs and cats—available from other manufacturers as well. The range of capability is broad, from cats that may “purr” or move a bit in response to petting or grooming (some have cat-like fur v. plush) to dogs, like Aibo, which come knowing how to play fetch and obey basic commands. Aibo can explore its environment independently (it’s full of cameras and sensors) and learn new commands. Not all robotic dogs are destined for the consumer market. About 500 of Boston Dynamics’ “Spot” robots—which are useful in hazardous situations, such as exploring downed power lines or searching debris—are doing work for utility companies and police departments. There are military robotic dogs as

Letters 26 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

well; earlier this year, “Quad-legged Unmanned Ground Vehicles” (Q-UGVs), designed by Ghost Robotics and Immersive Wisdom, began patrolling remote areas of Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. They are expected to become an important component of base security. The Q-UGVs are ideal for the task, as they can navigate difficult terrain on their jointed legs and can operate across a broad range of temperatures.

Many nursing home residents once had beloved pets; though they can no longer care for one, they may still be able to enjoy one.

There’s another market for robotic pets, too (though not for Spot or Q-UGVs): healthcare facilities. There’s been interest from that sector for a while—a Japanese company began marketing PARO, a robotic, plush white baby seal to facilities in 2009. Many nursing home residents once had beloved pets; though they can no longer care for one, they may still be able to enjoy one. A bonus for the PARO: listed by the FDA as a biofeedback device, its purchase and use by therapists is covered by Medicare. It’s cost—about

$6,000—limits the market chiefly to hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Dementia patients’ use of PARO has been documented to reduce the need for behavior-modifying and pain medications, and to reduce stress and anxiety. Not that the use of robotic pets in nursing facilities has been without controversy. Some object to staff “placating” residents (especially ones with dementia) with a robot, rather than spending time with them. That argument assumes—falsely—that it’s a case of robotic pet-time v. human contact-time. That seldom is the real comparison. The real comparison is robotic pet-time v. no robotic pet-time, with no staff available for either. The pandemic—with nursing home residents isolated in their rooms for months on end—served to silence some of those objections. It was only too clear that staff were stretched and stressed, and that residents were lonely, with few distractions and interactions. Suddenly, a soft, robotic cat that purred or a robotic dog that woofed and wagged its tail seemed like an idea worth trying, as families sought ways to relieve their loved ones’ loneliness and boredom. But back to me, and my interest in a robotic pet. The Spot and Q-UGV, though each is well-suited to its purpose, consist of a sleek metal rectangle (the cameras) atop agile, spindly legs. They’re just not very visually appealing. The PARO is well out of my price range and—well—it’s a plush baby seal. What would I do with a seal? I’d be seeking companionship, fun, and a bit of a technological challenge as I work to “train” my pet. I find a lot of joy online and get a kick out of using my Echo and Google Home devices. I’m looking hard at that Aibo, even as I cherish the time I get to spend, these days, with Becky.▼ Marj Shannon is a writer and epidemiologist.

Giving Back

BY ANYA LINDSEY-JENKINS

The Power of Mentoring

here are many things I wish people had told me when I was growing up. Instead, I found myself constantly lost, forced to navigate the murky waters of adolescence alone, often searching for a paddle to get myself upstream, past all the choices I made, without proper guidance—and wow, were some of those poor choices! Some of which I find myself still recovering from to this day. I often wonder how different my life would have been if I had had a mentor—someone to offer advice and guide me through the difficult decisions I faced as a young person. So, I decided to become the person I needed when I was growing up. My name is Anya Lindsey-Jenkins, and I’m a mentor. I defend potential, and I believe in young people. I believe in all young

people and their ability to be whatever they want to be in life. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a young person discover who they want to be in the world. It’s the equivalent of watching the metamorphosis of a caterpillar as it develops into a butterfly. Young people excite me—their constant quest to learn new things, and the joy on their faces when they achieve a goal they may have thought they could never accomplish—all it took was just a gentle push in the right direction. Whether it is a listening ear or a dabble of encouragement, being a mentor provides a life-lasting impression. By that alone, mentoring is powerful. If volunteering time to support a young person in figuring out this wild thing called life can make things a little easier for them growing up, why not be a defender of potential? Defend, support, and encourage—be a mentor. It’s one the most powerful things you will ever do in your life. ▼ Anya Lindsey-Jenkins is the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware.

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27 Letters

Beautiful Harmonies

BY FAY JACOBS

Off 24 is Off and Strumming

e’re all familiar with teenage garage bands. Some of our favorite groups started that way. But how about a basement band? And bandmembers who haven’t been teenagers in quite a while? That’s Off 24, a new local band with a huge following already, despite the group just getting together. In fact, their very first public performance was on August 13 at the Big Chill Beach Club overlooking the surf, sand, and Indian River Bridge. And they just happened to draw a crowd of over 200 people, who cheered and applauded and made it a wild night by the ocean.

them to play house parties and the group was launched. As Beave says, “It all happened so quickly we didn’t even have a name for the band. But pretty soon a friend suggested Off 24 because all three musicians live in communities off Route 24 in Sussex County. “The second she said it, we knew it was perfect. No more discussion,” remembers Kaye. They started an Off 24 Facebook page and a friend, Deb Quinton, designed a logo. They were in business, off and playing. Their first paid gig was a big house party, followed by several more, including a July 4th party. The next thing they knew, they got a call from the Big Chill Beach Club offering that August 13 booking. When the gals started to perform, slowly the audience swelled to over 200, mostly women. Beave, Lisa, and Kaye, shocked by the size of the crowd, played on, trying to hear their own voices in the outdoor tented venue and being stunned by the crowd. Kaye admits “We had no expectation we would fill the place; it was crazy!” “That’s when we realized we had a really wonderful friend-fan base!” Lisa recalls.

So how did this happen?

The three band members, Deb (Beave) Bievenour, Kaye Sullivan, and Lisa Balestrini Faber all used to play solo or in bands, but that was a long time ago. Lisa played guitar since age seven and in her time between college and law school played mostly solo gigs in gay bars. She had a blast. But that all stopped in 1993 when law school began. Beave started playing the guitar and singing at age 13, sang in church, and belonged to a couple of bands. But her guitar had been left to gather dust for the last 20 years. As for Kaye, she had the most recent band experience, but even that was several years ago. So, they dusted off their instruments and had some fun in the basement. As the trio harmonized, Lisa remembers thinking “Hmmm, this doesn’t sound too bad.” In fact, it sounded pretty good. “We all really meshed and it was a lot of fun,” Kaye says. From the basement, they moved to Kate’s deck, where friends came to listen a couple of times, gathering outside during COVID lockdown. “One night, we had about 30 friends listening to our deck band,” says Beave, “and we asked them for feedback.” While it was all really constructive, the upshot was feedback encouraging the trio to grow their experiment. “We were really pumped!” Kaye recalls. “All of a sudden we had momentum,” says Lisa, which started to snowball when word spread through the pickleball community, women’s softball teams, and all manner of word of mouth.

What’s in a name?

In a natural progression, friends started asking Letters 28 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Selfless support and future dates

“The second she said it, we knew it was perfect. No more discussion,” remembers Kaye.

Pictured above, top to bottom: Kaye Sullivan, Lisa Balestrini Faber, Deb (Beave) Bievenour,

All three women are quick to point out the incredible support they’ve received from the area’s established musicians. Advice on new equipment, publicity, and bookings came generously from big names like Christine Havrilla, The Girls’ Room, and more. “It’s a wonderfully supportive community,” Lisa says, “a beautiful situation.” Following the Big Chill gig, Off 24 played at Iron Hill Brewery for a CAMP Rehoboth benefit, and when this issue hits the streets they will just have performed at Sydney’s in Milton. Next up for Off 24 is the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party on Sunday, October 10. You know, the three of us all come from different places, different walks of life, but we gel really well,” says Kaye. “We love to harmonize,” adds Beave. “And all three of us are fans of each other,” Lisa says. Harmony. Off 24 has it. You’ll be hearing more about them.▼ Fay Jacobs is the author of five published books and is touring with her one-woman sit-down comedy show, Aging Gracelessly.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

29 Letters

Out & About

BY ERIC C. PETERSON

Lipstick on a Pig

few months ago, I stepped inside a movie theatre for the first time in over a year. It was a big, splashy musical (I wrote about In the Heights in this column some months back), and I felt it needed to be seen on a big screen. And I realized how much I missed the movies. So, masked and socially distanced, I went back for more. There were some superhero flicks that wouldn’t have been the same at home, but my favorite excursion to the theatre was a relatively small movie with a very small name: Pig. Having just written a story about a man in search of his lost pet (quick plug: Loyalty, Love & Vermouth comes out in November, folks!), I was drawn to this movie for a couple of reasons. First, it was hyped as a career-best performance by Nicolas Cage (which isn’t overstating the case; he’s very good), and it’s a story about a man in search of his lost pet. But in this case, the pet is a big, hairy pig: a truffle pig, to be exact. In the movie, Nicolas Cage plays Rob, a man who lives off the grid, deep in the forests of Oregon. Rob lives alone, with his pig, and they spend their days searching for truffles in the woods. Once a week, a man named Amir (Alex Wolff) shows up with a cooler full of groceries (Rob has little use for cash) in exchange for the truffles, which he sells to the chefs in Portland’s high-end foodie scene. Day after day, week after week, Rob lives his remote and peaceful life. But then, his pig is stolen, presumably for her truffle-hunting gifts. When Amir comes to collect the truffles, he is informed that they’re going to get Rob’s pig back. And that’s pretty much the movie. I won’t spoil the ending, but you pretty much know that the film will be over when Rob gets or doesn’t get his pig back—but there are quite a few surprises along the way. When the search for Rob’s pig takes them to Portland, you learn that Rob used to live there himself, and we get to meet several people from his past. One revelation leads to the next, and eventually we learn what led Rob away from civilization with only a pig for company. At one point, we learn that Rob doesn’t even need the pig

While Rob was looking for a pig for the simple reason that he loved her, Mr. Pat is looking for a piece of his own soul, so that he might finally love himself.

Letters 30 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

to find the prized truffles, he could do that on his own—but even he cannot be utterly, completely alone. The pig, therefore, isn’t simply a pig. It’s his connection to another living thing that allows him to experience his own humanity, to matter—even in the smallest possible way. If anything I’ve written here makes you the least bit curious, you really ought to check it out—I can’t say more except to tell you that it’s not the movie you think it will be. A month later, I was at a friend’s home, looking for a movie to watch, and we settled on a film that I thought couldn’t have been more different from Pig. It’s a movie called Swan Song, and it’s about a gay man living in an assisted living facility who is called out of retirement when a socialite in nearby Sandusky, Ohio dies. It turns out she has requested that he do the hair and makeup on her corpse and has left him $25,000 for this purpose. Udo Kier plays our protagonist, “Mr. Pat”—and if you can look past the kitsch and comedy, the movie is remarkably like Nicolas Cage’s miniature opus. It turns out that Pat was something of a minor legend in Sandusky—as a beautician, drag performer, and out-and-proud trailblazer. And, like Cage’s Rob, Pat meets several colorful characters from his past, including a former client (Stephanie McVay), a protégé (Jennifer Coolidge), an old friend (Ira Hawkins), the ghost of his socialite benefactress (Linda Evans), and her gay grandson (Michael Urie). As the tale progresses—again, no spoilers—you learn what he meant to Sandusky, but also why he left, and why he resisted coming back. The layers peel back one by one until you don’t just have a story of a weekend, but of an entire life. Oh, and it’s also screamingly funny. While Rob was looking for a pig for the simple reason that he loved her, Mr. Pat is looking for a piece of his own soul, so that he might finally love himself. Together, they make a double feature about facing our pasts and discovering the impact that each little life can have. One is gritty and dark, the other glitzy and sparkling, both absolutely worth your time. ▼ Eric Peterson hosts a podcast about old movies and modern times called The Rewind Project. His debut novel Loyalty, Love & Vermouth will be released this November.

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

31 Letters

It’s My Life

BY MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

Summertime Blues

oday I released monarch #25 into the back garden. She sat for a few minutes on the purple bloom of a butterfly bush, testing her wings, then fluttered up into the upper branches of the tulip poplar. Raising the beautiful orange-andblack butterflies has been one of my summer projects. The caterpillars appear in the milkweed patch we planted this spring, hatching from eggs laid there by the adult butterflies. I bring them into the house and put them in an enclosure, where they feast on milkweed until it’s time to turn into a chrysalis and emerge 8-10 days later in their final form. Monarchs, of course, migrate to Mexico for the winter. In our area, the last two weeks of September are the busiest in butterfly world, as the final members of what is known as the “migration generation” finish their transformations and begin the long trek south. These butterflies live longer than other summer generations, often eight to nine months compared to two to six weeks. There are currently an additional 15 chrysalides hanging in what we have dubbed Hotel Monarch. If all eclose (that’s the fancy word for “hatch”) successfully, we will have helped add 40 monarchs to the world. Every time one of them emerges from its chrysalis, I am amazed by it. I still don’t even begin to understand the process by which an egg becomes a caterpillar, which then essentially turns itself into a bag of green goo that then transforms into a butterfly. All in the span of about a month. I’ve read about it a little, but honestly, I still think it’s sorcery of some kind. Somewhat disheartening is the estimate that fewer than five percent of monarch eggs ever become butterflies. Many become food for other creatures, succumb to weather conditions, or simply have a miscoding in their genetics that short-circuits the process. Then there’s the strange phenomenon in which adult butterflies, having miraculously survived all of these challenges, Letters 32 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

fly straight into the grille of an oncoming Nissan Sentra. Watching the number of chrysalides in Hotel Monarch dwindle is both rewarding and a little sad. I will be relieved to see #40 off to Mexico, but it also

But fall is also a time of endings, of leavings, of approaching cold and dark.

means that summer is winding down. The autumn equinox—the official start of fall—is not far off. The gardens are fading. It’s dark when I take the dogs out in the morning. The bees are filling the hives with honey to get them through the winter. Already, most of the boisterous group of hummingbirds that have been here all summer have departed. The hummingbirds’ leaving is particularly difficult for me, as they have spent the days buzzing around the feeder I got in memory of my sister Nancy, who passed the first week of July. Their absence reminds me that she has been gone for more than two months already. I don’t understand how this is possible. Then again, I still sometimes can’t be-

lieve that there’s a world without her in it. Twice now I have sent her messages on Facebook about something I thought she would love, only to then remember that she wouldn’t be responding. If asked, I always name autumn as my favorite season. There is so much to love about it: the cool weather, the smell of woodsmoke in the air, the thrill of Halloween, being able to wear flannel shirts and wool socks again, my birthday, even the annual furor over pumpkin spice everything. But fall is also a time of endings, of leavings, of approaching cold and dark. This year I feel that more strongly than ever before. My sister is gone. A good friend and neighbor is soon to move away. And then there are the collective losses we all feel as part of this endless pandemic. I am an inveterate list maker. Right now, I am looking at one that says, “Fall To-Do.” It includes chores like paint the beehives, dig drainage ditch in back yard, clean gutters, and mulch rose bed. Almost everything on it is about putting our little world to sleep for the winter. I even bought the dogs a stack of new fleece blankets because they’ve begun nesting under them at night. Tomorrow, I will remove the air conditioner from the bedroom window and make an appointment to have the chimney swept so that we can use the wood stove. I know that the coming season of dark and cold is necessary for life to return in the spring. Plants need to sleep. Animals and birds and insects need to follow the ancient cycles of death and rebirth. It’s all part of the plan. I, too, need a time of quiet. And so I’ll wave goodbye to summer and wish it well until we meet again. Until then, I’ll wait in my cocoon, dreaming of what I might become, ▼ Michael Thomas Ford is a much-published Lambda Literary award-winning author. Visit Michael at michaelthomasford.com. Photo by Meritt Thomas on unsplash.com

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33 Letters

THE BEAT GOES ON

True Blue Jazz “Brings It” in Festival Year 9

he 9th Anniversary year comes to life once again across the heart of downtown Rehoboth Beach in eight local restaurant/ bars along with the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel as principle Headliner Showroom. And for the first time ever, taking a giant leap for REAL Jazz and landing in four newly-anointed True Blue Jazz Sponsor Venues all around Lewes, Delaware. Featured in 2021, Lewes Location Sponsors are Lefty’s Alley & Eats, Nassau Valley Vineyards Winery, Bramble & Brine at The Buttery, and Bethany Blues. Co-Founder and Producer Eddie Sherman explained, “Downtown Rehoboth Beach has been, and continues to be, the epicenter of our drive to bring the meaning of ‘community’ back to Jazz Week in Rehoboth Beach. After eight years with that as a focus of True Blue Jazz, and the evolution of business and life beyond Rehoboth Midway, we had great interest in enveloping the Lewes community into our True Blue Jazz Festival.” Peggy Raley, Artistic Director/ Co-Founder and Producer, added, “Over this past year, True Blue Jazz really broadened our reach and service to the jazz community. Celebrating International Jazz Day as representing participants for the fifth year with two days of live and streaming concert events was one facet of our work to make jazz available to Cape Region audiences. The free Youth Jazz events like the Boysie Lowrey Living Jazz Residency Concert and the Delaware High School Jazz Fest, both held at Nassau Valley Winery, are other ways we have been putting Real Jazz at the forefront of life for folks here in coastal Delaware.” Add to that, the success of their ongoing monthly Jazz Series, 1st Wednesdays at The Pines, in downtown Rehoboth Beach. The series has proven to be highly anticipated, with its own elite list of business community sponsors like Pat Coluzzi of Sotheby’s, Ashton Pools, and the Lee Ann Wilkinson Realty Group.

Letters 34 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

It is that kind of year-round activity and effort that brought recognition to True Blue Jazz Festival this past April at The Clifford Brown International Jazz Day Awards Program. There, Festival Producers Eddie Sherman and Peggy Raley received an award honoring them, and True Blue Jazz, as the “2021 Top Jazz Presenters of the Year.” And the beat goes on, as the 9th Anniversary True Blue Jazz Festival truly does “Bring It” at this year’s October 13-17 festival, with a string of stellar jazz acts ranging from international performing/recording star and alto sax legend Bobby Watson, to virtuoso entertainer, trumpet star and vocalist Benny Benack III, joined by special guest vocalist and song stylist Cyrille Aimée. All to be seen at The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel on October 15 and 16, in two shows each night, at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the two headliner show nights, along with ticketing for the sixhour Big Band Jazz Marathon at the Rehoboth Beach Firehouse on Saturday afternoon from noon till 6:00 p.m., are available on the website (truebluejazz. org) under the Tickets tab. All proceeds from the Firehouse Big Band Marathon are donated by True Blue Jazz to Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company. True Blue Jazz Festival has 40+ free and ticketed shows this year. Most events listed are free to the public, unless otherwise indicated. To find out what’s happening, when, and where, just visit the website and click on the Local & Live tab to check out all the Rehoboth and Lewes venues and the Tickets tab for True Blue Jazz Ticketed Events: truebluejazz.org. ▼

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35 Letters

LGBTQ+ YA Column

BY JULIAN KAY HARBAUGH

Rats Are the Queerest Pets

ear me out. I’ve been a fancy rat owner for eight years, and I’ve been out for roughly the same amount of time. I’ve learned a lot about myself and my small companions in that time. Many people have a gut reaction to rats that is negative. There is a cultural distaste for rats as pets, despite them (fancy rats or R. norvegicus f. domestica) having been domesticated for hundreds of years and being genetically different from their wild cousins (R. rattus or R. norvegicus). It’s understandable, honestly. In many places, they are seen as pests to be exterminated, and our media is full of depictions of rats as being dirty, evil, and harbingers of disease. Often in children’s media they are shown as the crooked, dangerous counterparts to the virtuous, civilized mouse. They are perhaps most wellknown for the belief that they spread the bubonic plague or Black Death across Europe in the 14th century (which has since been disproven—it turns out that humans spread it to each other due to poor hygiene and human-borne fleas, lice, and ticks, and that rats were only tangentially involved). Where have we seen these characteristics and beliefs before? Queer people have been subject to similar propaganda to rats over the years. Our media is full of depictions of queer people as evil, dangerous infiltrators and spreaders of disease, all the way back to when queerness itself was thought of as a disease or pathology (which some people still unfortunately believe), one that could be communicated or indoctrinated into children. Queerness and gender nonconformity was ascribed only to villains, pitted against the upright cishet heroes of the stories. The first name given to HIV/AIDS was GRID,

Gay-Related Immunodeficiency, which reflected the belief that it was a disease exclusive to gay people, spread by the deviant sexual practices of nonheterosexuals.

Human beings and rats are both community oriented, care for their young, sick, and disabled, and behave altruistically to help each other… However, like pet rats, we know that we’re not these stereotypes—we are intelligent, friendly, and social creatures. Human beings and rats are both community oriented, care for their young, sick, and disabled, and behave altruistically to help each other even when there is no apparent reward for doing so. There’s a reason why rats are used as precursors to human studies: we share a lot with the little critters, both socially and biologically. That being said, it would be remiss of me to compare rats to humans without recognizing the historical connotations

of the comparison for certain groups of people. This metaphor will certainly be less charming to Jewish and Japanese people, who were compared to rats in propaganda leading up to and during WWII as a way to dehumanize them and naturalize imprisonment, internment, and extermination/genocidal policies. In recent times, it has been used against immigrants, refugees, and racial and religious minorities to justify exclusionary, anti-immigrant, and racist policies. No oppressed humans are pests, or infestations, or any other rhetorical dehumanizing metaphor. When I say rats are queer, I say that with love for my community and the wonderful animals that have been a part of my life for almost a decade. Like them, we are more than the stereotypes people place on us, and despite the disgust many people harbor for us, we have built amazing communities in places that are openly inhospitable to us. So, if you feel grossed out when you see the picture of my pets, that’s okay! We’re all entitled to our opinions. But ask yourself why an animal as friendly as a dog, as clean as a cat, and as intelligent as a bird, is so repellent to you. You just might like them if you got a chance to meet them. ▼ Julian Harbaugh (they/them) is a recent University of Delaware graduate who enjoys lively discussions and walking their dog, Chewy. Their degree is in Political Science with a Women’s Studies minor, and in 2020 they completed their undergraduate thesis on the fight for gay marriage in Maryland. When they’re not writing, they can be found teaching their two rats, Baxter and Bramble, new tricks, and roaming garage sales looking for antique philosophy books.

BARBARA ANTLITZ, CAMP REHOBOTH YOUTH COORDINATOR, works with Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) in middle and high schools in Kent and Sussex Counties, and with other groups supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Barbara can be reached by email at bantlitz@camprehoboth.com. Letters 36 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Have you found your place in the world? Chris Beagle, REALTOR® M 215.262.6209 | O 302.273.4998 chris.beagle@compass.com chrisbeaglegroup.com Chris Beagle is a real estate licensee affiliated with Compass RE, a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

37 Letters

CAMPCritters — SKIPPY —

Fur child of: Michelle Adkins. Skippy is a feist; he’s approximately 8 years old.

FUN FACT He was a foster dog “failure” because Michelle fell in love with him and kept him. He enjoys

hanging out with his mom and only smokes Cubans.

— PIPER FIN AND TEAGEN —

— SEVIE —

Fur children of: Kathy and Val Dillon-Gazda. Piper is a 3-year-old Boston terrier; Teagan is a 1-year-old Boston terrier/beagle mix.

Fur child of: Sue Wilson. Sevie is a 4-year-old Irish setter.

FUN FACT

Piper LOVES to play ball with grandmom, i.e., ”Coach Red.” Teagan loves to dance for his food and steal mom’s shoes. They love playing tug with each other and then resting by the fire.

She loves going beaching, walking with mom, and indulging in Lori’s treats!

— KAI — Fur child of: Joy Strieby. Kai is a 17-month-old exotic-looking super mutt.

FUN FACT He has a very vocal personality and is a scratch golfer. When he is not caddying on the golf course, he loves to go for long walks with his mom. Kai is also an April’s fool’s baby!

— SKITTLE — Fur child of: Shelby Lankford. Skittle is a 7-year-old dachshund.

FUN FACT Skittle loves car rides and sitting on the top of the couch like a cat.

— MADDIE — Fur child of: Lori Klein and Monica Chmielewski. Maddie is a 3.5-year-old lab/pit beautiful mix breed.

FUN FACT She loves to go for long walks and swim in the ocean, and to cuddle with her moms.

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

Letters 38 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Pet Peeves

BY MIKEY ROX

Dumb, Dangerous, and Disturbing Things Pet Parents Do that Need to Stop Now

et ownership—or pet parenting (“pawrenting”?) as we like to call it—comes with much of the same responsibility as raising a human child, at least in the beginning. There are plenty of dos and don’ts to consider, lest you put your furry family member in an early grave. That’s not a pleasant thought, of course, but neither are the things pet parents do, deliberately or innocently, that cause their dogs, cats, and other household animals harm. Here’s what needs to stop right now.

Bringing home an animal you know nothing about

Don’t bring home a pet until you learn everything about it, begs Nora Glover, founder and editor-in-chief of cat blog Catademy. “Animals have needs and don’t have return policies like your new smartphone,” she says. “They may seem very independent, but it’s actually not true. Cats require quite a lot of daily care and attention from their owners to live a long happy life. Your pet owner’s duty is to know about all your cat’s needs and learn how to satisfy them.”

Letting cats roam the neighborhood

Outdoor cats pose several problems, like contributing to the feral feline population through procreation, killing wild birds that should be protected from unnecessary predators, and drawing the ire of your neighbors from doing their business in their yards. Furthermore, outdoor cats have an average life span of two years versus 12 when kept inside a loving home. If you’d like your cat to experience the outdoors, take it on a leashed walk or build an inescapable enclosure in your backyard and call it a “catio,” because that sounds cute as hell.

Leaving dogs unattended outside

Small dogs left unattended outside can become snacks for predatory animals like coyotes, hawks, and alligators, depending on where you live. Being hit by moving vehicles is another,

more likely cause of an outdoor dog’s untimely death. Exposing the animal to extreme heat or cold is a giant no-no as well. And then there’s the snatching, wherein criminals steal dogs to resell to an unsuspecting buyer, or hold them for ransom until your posted reward becomes high enough for the thief to pretend he or she found it wandering the streets.

“Animals have needs and don’t have return policies like your new smartphone…” Allowing dogs to ride unrestrained in the back of a pickup truck

According to American Humane, 100,000 dogs die in accidents each year because they were riding in truck beds. These accidents don’t have to involve a collision, either. Dogs can jump out, fall out, be stolen, receive eye injuries from flying debris, have paws burned on bed liners, and suffer from hypothermia in cold weather and heat stroke in hot weather. If you wouldn’t make your human best friend ride unrestrained in your flatbed, why should your canine best friend have to?

Feeding your pets harmful foods

Pet discussions usually involve dogs and cats, but what about other pets, like rabbits? Grass hay should account for 75 to 80 percent of their diet and be supplemented with fresh leafy greens and pellets, according to Sarah Logan, editor of The Bunny Hub. Foods you should never feed your rabbit include chocolate (this goes for dogs and cats, too!), walnuts, avocados, bread and

grains, meat, dairy, rhubarb, iceberg lettuce, and potatoes. No matter what pet you have, always research what foods they can’t have before feeding them anything other than their usual diet. A seemingly innocuous snack treat could have deadly consequences if you’re not careful.

Blaming bad behavior on your pet’s breed

Cats and dogs aren’t stupid. But many people make excuses for their pet’s bad behavior by claiming the pet is goofy, can’t be trained, or has a bad temperament. Too often, poorly or untrained pets end up in high kill shelters, all because a human couldn’t or didn’t take the time to address and eradicate the bad behavior. If you have trouble, hire a professional.

Helicopter parenting a dog

Everybody knows that one person at the dog park who spoils all the fun. Their dog can’t lift a paw or get a sniff in before they’re scooped up and checked for injuries. Sometimes these people are judgmental, while others profusely apologize (for what, I’m not sure). Whatever the case, they just can’t seem to let dogs be dogs. “Dogs bark, chase, and wrestle for fun; it’s in their DNA,” says Daniel Caughill, co-founder of The Dog Tale blog. “If you’re not comfortable with a little roughhousing, please stay away from the dog park, because you prevent everyone else from letting their dogs play when you start fussing.” ▼ Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. Connect with Mikey on Instagram @ mikeyroxtravels.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

39 Letters

Dining Out

BY JENNIFER RUBENSTEIN

Delicious Dining on the Waterfront

s you approach the entrance to Harbour at 134 W Market Street in Lewes, you will be greeted by a mermaid who floats in an elegant sea of flowers and escorts you to a magical place of yummy goodness. I swear, it’s true! Well, at least it was true for us…. My wife, Diane, and I had the pleasure of dining at Harbour Restaurant at Canal Square recently on the eve of their one-year anniversary. After we passed the gorgeous mermaid, we entered a welcoming foyer and got our first peek at the view of the Lewes Harbor. When you see that view, let yourself exhale and be in the moment. As we were escorted to our table, we saw several groups of acquaintances dining inside and out on the large deck. We also saw popular local bartender Rob Bagley. He’s the Beverage Manager at Harbour, a Level One Sommelier and an expert mixologist. He introduced us to Tavish, the owners’ son, who was also behind the bar. Harbour is owned by Lorraine and Gary Papp, formerly of Palate Bistro & Catering and the Essential Chef Catering. Lorraine runs the front of house and Gary is in the kitchen with a team of chefs including Tim McNitt, Tom Wiswell, and Eric Fitzgerald. Gary and Lorraine don’t do catering any longer, but they have created a wide menu at Harbour. Our fun server, Kim, told us that the New York Strip is probably the most popular entrée. I started with a drink created by Tavish called the Ginger Rabbit, containing Tanqueray Sevilla gin, carrot shrub, and Fever Tree ginger beer. It turned my lips orange, and I loved it. Diane ordered the Japonica, with Roku Japanese gin and Fever Tree Refreshingly Light Cucumber Tonic. The cocktail menu contains original twists on classics with lots of high-end mixers and freshly squeezed juices. Most impressive on the cocktail menu was the substantial list of Zero Proof choices including cosmos, gimlets, punches, tiki drinks, and more. There also is an extensive wine list. To start, we ordered appetizers from the “specials” list: I got the gazpacho and Diane got the

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heirloom tomato & peach salad. The gazpacho was unique. Normally one thinks of gazpacho as a raw soup which can sometimes taste like salsa in a bowl. Harbour’s version is a Spanish style that is cooked and then cooled resulting in a thick soup, yet bright and fresh with crunchy corn and onion. My favorite part was the Cilantro Crema on top which is fresh cilantro and lime mixed into sour cream. The salad was an explosion of flavors with heirloom tomatoes and baby arugula as the base, topped with peaches, hand-pulled burrata, bits of basil and mint, and topped with a mustard and pepper vinaigrette. The pistachios on top were great. For her entree, Diane ordered Jumbo Maryland Soft Shell Tempura. It was a mountain of tempura crab on a pile of delicious sesame noodles in a Thai red coconut curry sauce that was not spicy but did have a bit of sneaky heat. The tempura batter was a nice light alternative to a traditional deep-fried softshell crab. For my entrée, I ordered the Pan-Seared Halibut. It was beautiful and delicious. The fish itself was really simple (which I love) and cooked all the way through without being even one second overcooked. (How do they do that?!) It was served on top of lentils cooked in a green Thai curry sauce with wilted spinach, serrano chiles, and a cantaloupe lime salsa—which sounds like an aggressive pairing, but it didn’t overwhelm the fish. As I ate the fish, I could get as little or as much of the accompaniment as I wanted. It was lovely. The appetizers and entrees were generous portion sizes—but save room for dessert. The dessert menu is carefully curated by Lorraine. She brings in Hopkins Dairy Farm Ice Cream and Smith Island Cake, but the rest of the items she makes in house. She has won awards for her desserts. You must try the famous Coconut Cake with Lemon. On this night, they were also offering tiramisu, flourless chocolate ganache, crème brûlée, and more. Have I convinced you yet? I hope so. And when you visit, try this joke out on the mermaid: What did the sea say to the mermaid? Nothing. It just waved. ▼ Open Wednesday-Sunday (Closed on Monday & Tuesday) Happy Hour 3:30-5:00 p.m. | Dinner 4:30-9:00 p.m. Reservations are available through Open Table or on their website: harbourlewes.com/

Open all winter! We are open Wednesday - Sunday

Dinner 4:30pm - 9pm

Happy Hour 3pm - 5pm

Make a reservation by calling or going to our website

(302) 200-9522 | 134 West Market St, Lewes, DE 19958 | harbourlewes@gmail.com www.harbourlewes.com immanuel quarter 28-02_Layout 1 3/30/2018 1:54 PM Page 1

D E E N E W R SUPPORT

YOU

Immanuel Shelter serves those experiencing homelessness in Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and surrounding areas. Your generous support allows us to continue our mission and helps our community provide assistance for those in need.

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

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

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

41 Letters

Critter Camp

BY MICHAEL GILLES

It’s Dog Days All Year Long

he dog is adorable. Her name is Carli. Carli is the proud owner of two humans, Rehoboth Mayor Stan Mills and his wife, Marcia. Stan and Marcia adopted Carli in February, 2021 (although Carli insists it was she who adopted them!). After having pets for 22 years in Rehoboth, the Mills’ lost two dogs in the past two years. Lonely in their new house with its fenced rear yard begging for a new dog, the couple went to the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) and brought Carli home with them. They pamper Carli endlessly. Carli approves. The Mills family has adopted from the BVSPCA before and calls it a “great organization.” Carli thinks so too. She is one of thousands of lost, stray, ownersurrendered, and abused and neglected animals to be cared for by the group. In 2020 alone, the BVSPCA cared for more than 16,000 animals. The BVSPCA is the first openadmission no-kill shelter in Pennsylvania and Delaware. As you might guess, Carli thinks that’s a big deal. In Delaware, animals are placed through four adoption centers, with the nearest to Rehoboth being its Georgetown Campus. In addition, the BVSPCA provides families with low-cost veterinary services at four clinic locations, again with the nearest being the Animal Health Center in Georgetown. Go to bvspca.org to find out about its other campuses. The BVSPCA also operates the Animal Rescue Center, a facility dedicated to helping animals with additional needs prior to being ready for adoption, such as disaster victims, cruelty cases, and infants. Again, a big deal. One of the organization’s favorite initiatives is its Critter Camp. At Critter Camp, young animal lovers ages seven to 12 learn special skills such as pet CPR (who knew that was a thing?), grooming, and behavioral training. They hear from guest speakers from the animal world (people, not animals), meet adorable and adoptable pets, and read to doggie

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companions. The kids love Critter Camp. Some of the parent feedback: “The girls had so much fun that we have signed up to

BVSPCA holds its Critter Camps winter, spring, summer, and fall. volunteer at the shelter,” “Thank you so much for a wonderful week!! Lexi had a great time and is anxious to sign up as a volunteer,” and “Thank you for a great week! Beckett had a good time and always came home with new facts to share!”. The animals love it too. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get any quotes from them. If your child or children love animals and want to help animals in need, the BVSPCA Critter Camp is for them. There are scholarships available for those children who might not otherwise have a chance to attend camp, including children in foster care who participate in Delaware’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. “This is an exciting first step towards what we hope will become a long-term strategic partnership between our organization and the CASA program,” said BVSPCA Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb. “Critter Camp is one of our most popular initiatives.” Melissa

Palokas, CASA State Director said, “These camps give a sense of normalcy and happiness to children who have experienced tremendous trauma.” Foster children who participated in Critter Camp this year have reported back how happy they are with the experience. “After day one of Critter Camp, both of my foster kids could not wait to return the next day,” said Carol, a foster parent. The critters felt the same way about her kids. BVSPCA holds its Critter Camps winter, spring, summer, and fall. The next session is a new Winter Break session (December 18 through 20) for kids ages seven through nine. Four locations hold Camps; the nearest to Rehoboth is at the BVSPCA-Georgetown Campus at 22918 Dupont Boulevard. CAMP Rehoboth has many ties with BVSPCA through its adoption centers. Supporters, including BVSPCA’s Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb, come to events at CAMP Rehoboth. Pets report that they have been adopted by many CAMP Rehoboth members. One upcoming BVSPCA-sponsored event is the Bark on the Boards block party at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand on Saturday, October 16. Bring the whole family and enjoy such activities as a performance by the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, a Dock Dogs competition, a kids’ fun center, and live performances that are sure to be fun for dogs and humans alike! Don’t forget to register and don’t worry—the BVSPCA will have adoptables ready and available to find new homes! For more information, go to bvspca.org. Mayor Mills will be there. Many adoptable dogs will be there. If Carli feels like it, she might even attend. You be there, too. Carli and her friends may be out there waiting for you! ▼ Michael Gilles is a playwright, actor, and director from Milton, and a regular contributor to Letters from CAMP Rehoboth.

REHOBOTH BANDSTAND | REHOBOTH BEACH, DE

In Partnership With

FUR BABY PET RESORT

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cue ts Res o o R rass N and G A STATIO C P O S T V O B LL PH ZONE from S” S FA e Pets l U b R UN Y OUT a F t A O p S H W o D C I E d K A H TH PC

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

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

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DOG DAZE

BY BETH SHOCKLEY

Sydney and The Sound of Music

hether you find your dog at a shelter or elsewhere, they’re like a wonderful, wiggly box of chocolates— you never know for sure what you’re going to get. No one can predict a dog’s personality, no matter how much information they’re armed with. Each dog is unique and like their humans, full of quirks. But what I have found with our adopted German shepherd, Sydney, is that while you can’t change a dog’s past, you can rewrite her future. When we first met Sydney at the shelter in 2016, I noticed first (of course) how cute she was. And sweet. And gentle. We noticed she had recently had a litter of puppies. What struck me as odd, though, was how little information the shelter had about her. Where were her puppies? Was she rescued from a puppy mill? Did she come from a different shelter? They didn’t know; they didn’t have her records, they said. All they could tell us was that they estimated her age at about four. They asked, did we want to take her? Whoa! First, we needed a meet-andgreet with our older German shepherd, Abby, who was six. That happened at the shelter the next day. Abby and Sydney went through all the normal motions: lots of sniffing, tail wagging, play bows, happy snorts, and kisses. All seemed well. So, yes, we’d take her! She came home with us that day. Sydney had some anxiety, of course, coming into the house (which included three kitties) for the first time. But she was a very good girl—knew her commands, was housebroken, and great on the leash. We had our vet check Sydney out— she had some issues, but all treatable. Then, a few weeks later, the unthinkable happened. It came out of nowhere. Sydney got this blank stare and suddenly attacked Abby. Furious barking; growling. Furniture flew. Abby’s a bigger and stronger dog than Sydney. But soon they were full-on fighting. Blood was drawn. It was horrifying—the snarling, the teeth snapping. Letters 46 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Experts will tell you when big dogs are fighting, you should bang pots and pans, and throw cold water on and between them. Try to separate them. We tried everything except for the absolutely WRONG advice: to pull them apart. My wife, Sandy, has raised German shepherds since she was a child and knew better.

After the early days of fighting, we started singing the song, “Maria,” from The Sound of Music to Sydney: “How do you solve a problem like our Sydney.…”

So, we had to helplessly stand by, cry, and watch this ordeal unfold. It was happening so fast. But Sandy knew that barring a fatal injury, there was nothing we could do until they were done. During the fight, I noticed that neither of them was trying to inflict fatal bites. German shepherd jaws can snap the strongest human bones, with a bite strength of nearly 240 psi. They weren’t doing that. And in fact, when it was over and they walked away from each other for the blessedly last time, Abby had made

a small incision on the top of Sydney’s paw—enough to wound but not maim. The fight was over, and we all walked away exhausted. The only thing broken was trust. And that was a wound only time could heal. After we cleaned up them, ourselves, and the kitchen, we cried some more. We agonized for days over whether we should return Sydney to the shelter. Many people might argue that would have been the right course. But we made the decision not to: this was Sydney’s home. We made a vow to her that we would love her and take care of her—that ours was her forever home. I’d like to say that first fight for dominance was the last, but there were two others, with similar results. Even today, Sydney still has an occasional “moment.” She gets that blank stare and goes for Abby, seemingly out of nowhere. Fortunately, we can now usually see it coming. Sydney still challenges on rare occasion, but now when it happens, we can carefully and safely pull her away. Today, Abby is 11, in the upper life span range for a German shepherd. She is frail, and Sydney someday will be, too. Back in 2016, we wanted a companion for Abby. Sydney was, and remains, that devoted friend. They love each other 99.99 percent of the time. Abby can’t frolic anymore. But they give each other kisses and baths. They share drinks from their water bowl. They sleep close together, sometimes with limbs entwined. After the early days of fighting, we started singing the song, “Maria,” from The Sound of Music to Sydney: “How do you solve a problem like our Sydney.…” We sang it to her with love. And hoped that we’d find the answer. We never got one. Just years together with lots of guidance and love. ▼ Beth Shockley is a public affairs specialist and former editor of Letters.

WE'RE MERGING WITH DELAWARE SPCA

The merger is expected to be complete in late 2021, allowing DHA and Delaware SPCA to fully combine business operations within the coming year

Our capacity to do good

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enormous! DHA and

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support animals and people

adoption, low-cost

long-standing leaders in

in Delaware and the greater

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the community; by

region. We have been

affordable spay/neuter and

coming together as

collaborating for many years

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Beach. The merged

to pets and people, we

sharing resources. This long

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include Delaware SPCA’s

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much more together.

Stanton/Christiana location.

Learn more: delawarehumane.org/merger

@delawarehumane

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

47 Letters

Straight Talk

BY DAVID GARRETT

Queer Jazz

nother tourist season is complete. CAMP Rehoboth hosted a very successful Sun Festival with events all week long, climaxing with concerts by The Skivvies and the lovely Jennifer Holliday. Right on the heels of CAMP’s October 10 Block Party, the 2021 Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival will take place. Jazz has been a fall staple of this resort town since 1989. Over time, jazz music has undergone several major modifications. From its genesis in New Orleans at the end of the 19th century into the early 20th century, there is no one genre that encompasses the jazz world. It may be expressed in swing, bebop, hard bop, ragtime, blues, jazz fusion, and more. Jazz is one of those things in life that you either love or hate. Evidently, quite a few people in Rehoboth Beach and the surrounding region love it, including yours truly. When you begin to rattle off the names of well-known jazz musicians, the list can be extensive, depending upon the style. Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Louie Armstrong, Count Basie, Freddie Hubbard, Chuck Mangione, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, Miles Davis, David Sanborn, Spyro Gyra, McCoy Tyner, Grover Washington, Jr., John Coltrane, Chris Botti and the WHOLE Marsalis family come to mind immediately. It would only be right to add the names of jazz vocalists (perhaps in a future article). Perhaps this is the right time to introduce readers to a few queer jazz musicians. The connection between being LGBTQ and a jazz performer only confirms that being queer is just a reality for that person whose personal musical expression is jazz. Fred Hersch is a jazz pianist, educator, and HIV/ AIDS activist. He started to play piano at four years of age, began composing at age eight, and was winner of national piano competitions from age 10 on. When he was 38 years old, he came out. He also revealed that he had been treated for HIV during the previous nine years. His coming out gave him the platform to be a spokesperson for AIDS services and education, which he has done with passion. In 2008, Fred fell into a coma, and remained incapacitated for two months. When he came to, he could not play piano, due to atrophy. Following rehab, he was able to play once more. In 2011, he performed My Coma Dreams, reflecting the elusive contrast between dreams and reality. A good read

In her new gender identity, Jennifer encountered canceled gigs, and eventually left [the] band.

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is Hersch’s autobiography, Good Things Happen Slowly. Reviewing lists of jazz musicians by instrument, the trumpet, guitar, saxophone, and piano are the top performers. The list of those who played the vibraphone is shorter. Rising above his peers on this instrument is Gary Burton. He revolutionized the vibraphone when he began to play it with four mallets, rather than two as was common at the time. Burton had an extensive career not only as a performer, playing with other marquee names, but also as an educator at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. His early years there were spent as a professor, then Dean, then Executive Vice-President. He revealed to the world during a 1994 interview on Fresh Air with Terry Gross that he was gay. This news made Gary Burton one of the very few jazz musicians of his time who were openly gay. Burton and his partner were married in Provincetown in 2013. He published a wonderful memoir titled Learning to Listen. As a left-handed performer of the double (string) bass, Jennifer has been known professionally as “Lefty” and “The Southpaw.” She has played with the top tier of jazz musicians, including lengthy tours with Mel Tormé and Doc Severinsen. She has also appeared in concerts with Woody Herman, k.d. lang, and Take 6. Formerly known as John Leitham, Jennifer transitioned in 2001. This occurred while touring with Doc Severinsen and led to her divorce. In her new gender identity, Jennifer encountered canceled gigs, and eventually left Severinsen’s band. She retreated from performing due to some surgical difficulties. During that time, Jennifer wrote a host of new material, eventually recording The Real Me. A few years later, in 2012, an award-winning documentary on her life, I Stand Corrected, was released. Queer Jazz. This sounds like a strange way to describe these three jazz musicians who are simply living their best lives as they need to. From their fingers and hands, their music jumps and brings life to a world in desperate need of life. But as their music gives life to others, it is the soul expression of the life they have found for themselves. And they wouldn’t have it any other way. ▼ David Garrett, a CAMP Rehoboth Board member, is a straight advocate for equality and inclusion. He is also the proud father of an adult trans daughter. Email David Garrett at davidg@camprehoboth.com.

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49 Letters

Letters 50 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

51 Letters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Letters 52 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

BUILDING/CLEANING/REMODELING/LANDSCAPING

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

CHURCHES/SYNAGOGUES

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

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

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

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

INSURANCE

COUNSELING/THERAPY/LIFE COACH

PET RETAIL

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

EVENT PLANNING/CATERING

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES

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

FLORISTS

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

FUNERAL SERVICES

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

HAIR SALONS/TATTOO & PIERCING

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

HEALTH-RELATED

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

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

LEGAL/ACCOUNTING/TRUST SERVICES

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

LOCKSMITHS

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

MASSAGE THERAPY/FITNESS

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

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

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

PET SERVICES

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

REAL ESTATE

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

RETIREMENT LIVING/SENIOR CARE FACILITIES

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

TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

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

POPULAR LGBTQ BEACHES

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

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

53 Letters

Cat Tales

BY MICHAEL GILLES

My Old Cat Geoffrey

y cat is old. Not old as in 12 years or 15. The internet tells me that a cat that’s under 12 is relatively young, one that is 12-15 is getting there, and one that is 15 is old. Ha! My cat is 76 years in cat years. Eighteen years old, pushing 19. My cat is old. My Geoffrey. That’s my cat. Who names their cat Geoffrey? Long story short: My 27-year-old daughter was nine when we found Geoffrey. We let her name the cat. Enough said. How can I tell that Geoffrey is old? Well, he sleeps all day, for one. He demands his food at the same time each day. He limps all over the house whenever he finally gets off his chair. Oh wait, that’s me. We can tell Geoffrey is old because he gets more joy sitting on my lap than playing with his toys. He has trouble getting down the three stairs he uses to bask in the sun half the day. Also, he basks in the sun half the day. In truth, my baby may have feline dementia. According to Dr. Karen Louis from VetChick.com, cats, like people, can become senile as they age. Here are some signs my cat may have dementia instead of just being old: • He is disorientated, or seems lost. He walks into a room, then leaves right away to go somewhere else. Yep, that’s Geoffrey. • He vocalizes. MEOW has become a part of the vocabulary of our house. • He sleeps a lot during the day. Of course, he sleeps all night, too. C’mon, he’s 76. What do you expect? • He urinates or lets loose the other thing outside the litter box. Now I’m thinking he’s had dementia since he was two. Wow. I feel really bad. I make fun of Geoffrey whenever I can. What’s worse, I have all the symptoms above, except that I hit the human litter box almost all the time. Any day now, we’ll be sitting next to each other on the couch wondering who the thing is beside us. Dementia beside the point, Geoffrey Letters 54 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

is a fascinating cat. He was born without most ligaments in his hind legs. If that had happened to me, I would have spent my life flopping around like a Raggedy Ann doll. But Geoffrey copes. We are

When you’ve owned a cat for 18 years, you discover that he gives you as many gifts as you give him, or more. very careful not to discuss his disability in front of him, but he probably has noticed he’s not like other cats. And what’s more, he doesn’t care. He navigates stairs better than I do. It takes me half an hour to walk down our stairs. Because of his physical limitations, he can’t jump (again, neither can I), but he’s learned to stand up on his hind legs to beg for food or some unconditional love, which he gets. What’s more, he does his chores around the house. Geoffrey is a Turkish Angora, which means he’s got long and poofy hair. A few carefully placed kitty

treats, and he’s off and running, dragging his posterior behind him. Which means what? He’s a living vacuum cleaner! See, I make fun of Geoff a lot. But the truth is, he’s a sweet cat who just wants to be loved. When you’ve owned a cat for 18 years, you discover that he gives you as many gifts as you give him, or more. Sure, he can be a pain in the tuchus, especially when his “gifts” are found underneath the dining room table when company is there. But what’s a little poo when he loves you so much? I have often suspected Geoffrey is thick as a brick, or at least I unfairly tell him so all the time. But what if he’s not a doofus, but has feline dementia? I prefer the former; I fear the latter. What can I do for this long-time friend? Dr. Louis suggests that the first thing to do is get a thorough assessment of his neurologic status. Once he is diagnosed, medications and supplements may be in order. Talk to your vet! Keep food and water bowls easy to reach. Have the litter box on the floor of the house the cat spend his time in. We have laid down stair treads on the hardwood steps of our foyer so Geoff can reach his favorite resting place, the front door. Just as their human counterparts require mental stimulation, so do cats. Keep his mind sharp. Have him do sudoku. I’m kidding. Heck, I can’t even do that. But seriously, look at your cat’s face and imagine him with a smile. A kitty cat smile, even an imagined one, makes you realize what you get out of having your cat, and give it back tenfold. Meanwhile, Geoffrey is pooping away under the dining room table. Excuse me. I have to go love my cat. ▼ Michael Gilles is a playwright, actor, and director from Milton, and a regular contributor to Letters from CAMP Rehoboth.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

55 Letters

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

57 Letters

Historical Headliners

BY ANN APTAKER

Drama Queen: Alla Nazimova

f you’re going to call yourself Alla Nazimova, you’re not planning a dull life. Born Marem-Ides Leventon in 1879, the youngest of three children to Jewish parents in the Russian Crimea, her parents divorced when she was eight. The children were shifted among relatives and shuffled in and out of schools. The only emotional escape from this instability was, of course, a child’s immersion into fantasy, into a world she could control. A teenage Marem-Ides found it in theater. Determined to make a life on the stage, she enrolled in the Moscow Acting Academy. Her talent was unleashed, catching the attention of the lively Russian theater crowd. She was invited to join Konstantine Stanislavski’s prestigious Moscow Art Theater. She was soon a star of the company, outgrowing the routine of reparatory with its rotating assignment of roles. By 1903, she left the Moscow Art Theater to tour the Russian provinces. Performing to sell-out crowds, she eventually starred with the Pavel Orlenev theater company in St. Petersburg. Successful tours of Europe followed. In 1905, together with Orlenev, with whom she was having an affair, she went to New York. It was around this time that she created the name Alla Nazimova, taking the surname of Nadezhda Nazimova, the heroine of a popular Russian novel, Children of the Streets. Nazimova’s New York performances, despite being in Russian, wowed the Shubert brothers, then the reigning Broadway producers. They offered her a starring role on Broadway on the condition that she learn to speak English in six months. She met the challenge and starred in Henry Miller’s famed production of Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. Nazimova spent the next few years earning rave reviews for her performances in other Ibsen plays, notably A Doll’s House. By 1910, her fame was such that the Shuberts financed a theater built just for her. The Nazimova Theater opened on April 18, 1910. Letters 58 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

But the grander glamour of Hollywood beckoned. And, just as she’d conquered the American stage, Nazimova conquered American movies.

In Hollywood, she evidently also conquered quite a few hearts. There were love affairs, and a rather complicated “lavender marriage” with actor Charles Bryant: an arrangement that later had to be untangled in conjunction with Nazimova’s earlier marriage in Russia and divorce in the US, and Bryant’s eventual marriage to another woman. But it was affairs with women which dominated Nazimova’s romantic and sexual life. Among her reported liaisons were actress Eva Le Gallienne, director Dorothy Arzner, writer Mercedes de Acosta, Jean Acker (Rudolph Valentino’s first wife), and Dolly Wilde (niece of Oscar Wilde). Nazimova used the term “Sewing Circle,” her code for the subrosa group of bisexual and lesbian women loving and bedding on the sly. Her Garden of Alla mansion was rumored to be the site of wild lesbian parties. Oh, to be a fly on that wall! Meanwhile, Nazimova’s screen popularity soared. In 1917 she took control of her career, forming Nazimova Productions, writing screenplays under the pseudonym Peter M. Winters. She became a director, lighting designer, even a costume designer, mastering the technology and creative techniques of film. In 1922, she produced and starred in Salome. The film credits Charles Bryant

as director, but there is evidence that Nazimova possibly directed the film. Not a critical success at the time, Salome has since been considered Nazimova’s finest work, employing unique cinema techniques. The movie was added to the National Film Registry in 2000. By 1926, though, her Hollywood career waned. Nazimova sold the Garden of Alla, which was then converted to a hotel with 25 villas on the grounds and renamed the Garden of Allah. Nazimova returned to Broadway, where she again triumphed. Critic Pauline Kael, in her pre-film critic days, wrote that Nazimova’s portrayal of Mrs. Alving in the 1935-36 production of Ibsen’s Ghosts, which Nazimova also directed, as “the greatest performance she had ever seen on the American stage.” But Hollywood beckoned again. The advent of sound required actors who could speak effectively, actors who knew how to wield words instead of just their faces and bodies. Nazimova, empress of the stage, was a natural, appearing in 1940 with Robert Taylor in Escape, and with Tyrone Power in the 1941 remake of Blood and Sand. Nazimova’s return to Hollywood had a touch of irony: she rented villa number 24 at the Garden of Allah hotel! She’d also settled down romantically a bit, though just a bit. In 1929, Nazimova began a relationship with actress Glesca Marshall, a partnership which lasted until Nazimova’s death. That didn’t constrain Nazimova’s roving eye, and she conducted an affair with surrealist painter Bridget Bate Tichenor from 1940 to 1942. Alla Nazimova died on July 13, 1945, of coronary thrombosis, at age 66. Her films immortalized her, her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame honors her. Audiences—and her lovers—could never forget her. ▼ Ann Aptaker’s Cantor Gold crime/mystery series has won Lambda Literary and Goldie Awards. Her short stories appear in numerous publications and anthologies.

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59 Letters

View Point

BY RICHARD J. ROSENDALL

A Bomb in Gilead

emocracy requires a smarter, tougher defense. Margaret Atwood’s dystopian vision of Gilead in The Handmaid’s Tale has drawn closer with the enactment of forced birth in Texas. Blessed by the Supreme Court via the so-called shadow docket for emergency appeals, the “soft” overturn of Roe v. Wade will sweep Republicancontrolled states, as will laws advancing voter suppression and nullification. The ditch, in the words of the late poet Robert Lowell, is nearer. A clue to Democrats’ weakness can be found in the sharp commentaries of progressive political podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen, with titles like “Top Republican caught making DEVASTATING admission on hidden camera,” “Fed up Texas Democrats finally DISMANTLE Governor Abbott,” and “Republicans pull shameless, fatal stunt.” I am referring to overconfidence: Sen. Ron Johnson, the subject of the first item listed, remains in office. Gov. Greg Abbott, whose devotion to life encompasses wombs but not deadly pandemics, remains in office. Gov. Ron DeSantis, referred to in the third item, remains in office. No matter how wittily we skewer sinister politicians, they are neither devastated nor dismantled by our use of all caps or our brutal observations. These premature rhetorical burials have always annoyed me. Now they may presage impending doom. If the blows against voting rights and reproductive choice in Texas do not serve as wake-up calls for moderates and progressives, someone should call a coroner. Democrats approach the 2022 midterms with the narrowest of majorities in the House and Senate. Given the high stakes, are we really sure that in a race between the Democratic superego and the Republican id, the superego will win? Republicans may be contradictory and hypocritical on issues from their Letters 60 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

pro-life stance to law and order to the Afghan war, but they don’t care. Their use of cultural wedges to get people to vote against their own interests has worked remarkably well. Yet Democrats, when asked how they intend to defeat Republicans, too often respond with sermons.

We are left with a dispiriting choice between a party of treason and a party of ineffectual reason. Republicans are unified in pursuit of power at any cost while Democrats wrestle on a beach, unaware that the sea’s retreat indicates they are about to be hit by a tsunami. The American Taliban is flexing its muscles in Texas. Meanwhile in Washington, Republicans from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene threaten retaliation against telecom companies that comply with requests from the House select committee investigating the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol. Democrats have the Constitution; Republicans have the insurrectionists. There is no room for error. If one Democratic senator whose state has a Republican governor should die, Republicans will retake the Senate. Even without that, the president’s popular legislative agenda is largely stalled because of the filibuster, a procedural tool some Democrats—including Biden— are loath to part with. Even if that obstacle is overcome, the Democratic agenda remains at risk from the wildly unrepresentative conservative majority on the Supreme Court. A court expansion could change that math, but once again the will to act is not there.

We are left with a dispiriting choice between a party of treason and a party of ineffectual reason. “The difference between treason and patriotism,” wrote author Alexandre Dumas, “is only a matter of dates.” If the insurrectionists prevail—if America slides into ethnonationalist authoritarianism—I and millions of others will be patriots of a country that no longer exists. In that event, sloganeering by leftists about smashing capitalism, ending incarceration, defunding police, and abolishing gender will be seen for the self-indulgence it is. After it is too late, more of us may realize the folly of maximalist rhetoric that demonizes pragmatism and disregards the importance of connecting with others across a diverse electorate. How we will regret choosing ideological purity over the practical politics of addition. How we will regret treating achievable reforms and compromise as betrayals. How we will regret choosing a moral victory over an imperfect but actual victory. Encouragingly, the reckless cruelty of Texas Republicans, who incentivized vigilantes with a $10,000 bounty to enforce S.B. 8 and create a culture of fear, has roused the opposition. TikTokers flooded a Texas abortion whistleblower website with fake tips. Uber and Lyft pledged to pay the legal fees of any of their drivers who are sued for transporting women to abortion clinics. A Texas judge issued a temporary restraining order protecting Planned Parenthood. Overcoming the GOP threat to democracy requires staid, steadfast cooperation among Democrats, a compelling message, and using all in our power to press the fight and turn the tables. ▼ Richard J. Rosendall is a writer and activist at rrosendall@me.com.

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61 Letters

Letters 62 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

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

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

63 Letters

Visiting View Guest Column

BY ROBERT DOMINIC

Wake Me Up When September Ends

ey, Letters readers, once again it’s Robby from Brooklyn, who by the time you are reading this will be back in NYC and sadly not playing Kadima on Poodle Beach. Like sands through the hourglass, time moves quickly and before we knew it September and Labor Day were upon us. I literally remember seeing the Pie Ladies on July 4th like it was yesterday! As we age it seems the days and months fly by even faster, if possible. I cannot believe I am in my early (cough cough) 40s! The month of September is probably the most polarizing month of the year: many love it, and just as many hate it. But easily the ‘most hated month’ honor (especially for those of us in the Northeast) is January. It shows up right after the merriment of the holidays. January is cold, dark, and bleak. It feels six weeks long. Throw in a blizzard or two and it is downright miserable. But I digress—back to sucky September. Growing up, I literally lived on the beach in the summer. Days were spent swimming; nights, at bonfires. I loved it so much I became a lifeguard and water safety instructor. Returning to school was somewhat traumatic for me; leaving my summer friends was devastating to preteen me. Tears were not uncommon. However, after a day or two with my school friends, the sadness of missing the beach was quickly replaced with excitement at the prospect of the upcoming school year filled with events like swim team practices, meets, pep rallies, the spring musical. (Yes, I was in the drama club!) Cut to a decade later and Robby becomes Mr. Dominic, or Mr.D, high school/middle school English teacher. And come September I find myself in the same predicament, sad at the prospect of summer ending. Labor Day weekend was NOT a joyous and fun weekend. At all. After summer break any teacher—even the most committed “I love my students like my children” slash “my classroom is an exact replica of Hogwarts” overly-enthusiastic teacher—dreads those first weeks of school. The Lana Del Ray banger, “Summertime Sadness,” holds special meaning to me, and probably many of my Fire Island housemates, as they would hear it on repeat all weekend long.

Growing up, I literally lived on the beach in the summer. Days were spent swimming; nights, at bonfires.

Letters 64 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Sorry guys! One Labor Day, my teacher friend Jenna and I just sat on the couch all day in our pajamas, Netflixed and chilled, and had all our meals delivered. Maybe some sad Dido songs were played, lol. So, students, teachers, those with summer shares…probably not the biggest fans of our friend Mr. September. But wait, don’t feel bad for him, he is loved and adored by many. At the top of the list are parents sending their kids back to school. After weeks with their own “perfect, extremely well behaved,” children, they show up at parent drop-off that first month with huge smiles on their faces. And in towns like Fire Island, Provincetown, and our own Rehoboth Beach, September also is beloved. Scores of people cite September as their favorite month. Full-time residents, retirees, second home owners—each sees September as much-needed quiet time. Reservations are easier to get and traffic is lighter. Life returns to the offseason ‘normal.’ Restaurant and bar staff can finally have a weekend night off if they want. It’s like the collective group of us is going back to the minors after playing for the Yankees. Many of us return often for a weekend throughout the year, whether for a prime time holiday or a Rehoboth Beach holiday (Sea Witch®!). So this year I will try not to wallow in sadness this September. Looking at a the glass half-full in September means that Halloween—aka Gay Christmas—is right around the corner! And it could always be worse: it could be January. The horror! Once we pass New Year’s, just wake me up when January ends. ▼ Robert Dominic splits his time between Brooklyn and Rehoboth Beach. He writes for publications including Instinct Magazine and his own blog, The Gays of Our Lives. When he is not writing he is probably at Poodle Beach.

clear space theatre company

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

October 15--31

Sponsored by

Tickets On Sale Now!

Clear Space is working closely with healthcare professionals to be sure we thoroughly sanitize the facilities and maintain social distancing. Please visit the website for complete details . For complete show schedules & tickets, please visit:

www.ClearSpaceTheatre.org Or call

302.227.2270

This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com. Clear Space Theatre Company, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

65 Letters

COVER STORY

BY MATTY BROWN

The Pet-Loving Percussionist

or an issue dedicated to music and pets, there is perhaps no one better to grace the cover than Patty Dimodugno. A drummer for 52 years and current owner of five rescue dogs and cats, Patty has dedicated her entire life to serving others through her passions for percussion and animals. “I play all the percussion instruments—vibes, marimba, and all the other instruments that you beat, tap, and shake,” Patty said. She gravitated towards the drums because her mother wasn’t permitted to play them in her own youth, being relegated only to the glockenspiel. Patty’s innate talent and instant knack for drumming led her to play in wedding bands for 10 years around 1994-2004. (“That’s how I bought my first house!” Patty happily reported.). She also played drums Off-Broadway and for the Lavender Light Chorus, an all-lesbian and gay gospel choir in New York. Although she picked up percussion at a young age, Patty’s dream job was to be a veterinarian. “At 13, I was an elephant-pony-camel walker at the Bronx Zoo,” she said. Later, Patty worked as a recreational therapist, and then as an equestrian coach for youth in Nanuet, New York. Sadly, Patty’s dreams of becoming a vet went unfulfilled; as she puts it, she “didn’t have the grades.” And thus, she turned to music. In Bergen County, Patty worked as a music teacher for 17 years with children with disabilities. With stints as a counselor with Saint Agatha’s School for Children in Rockland County, and working with Special Olympics, Patty’s aptitude to serve marginalized youth was fueled by a lesson she learned early at home. “My parents always told us to help those less fortunate than ourselves, and I go by that in life,” she said. Later, in Newark, New Jersey, Patty worked for 10 years as an instrumental, vocal, and guitar teacher at Arts High School, the famed performing Letters 66 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

— PATTY’S PETS —

– PAISLEY –

a 10-year-old calico stray cat with no claws (and no scratching)!

– GRACIE SLICK –

a five-year-old rescued Boxer-Great Dane. Since her rescue, Gracie has grown from 30 pounds to 60!

– CHESTER –

a ten year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and the result of a “foster failure.”

– DICKIE MANGIONE –

an 11-year-old gray tabby. Dickie was adopted from the SPCA in Middletown, New Jersey.

– BUSTER –

a 10-year-old Husky-Labrador mix.

arts school that boasts alumni like Pose’s MJ Rodriguez. Established in 1931, it was the first performing arts high school in the country. For Patty, it was an honor to teach there. “It was like Fame in there—kids dancing in the hallways. It was a beautiful place to work.” According to Patty, more attractive than all the glitz, though, was the opportunity to work with inner-city youth. Nowadays, Patty’s willingness to help the less fortunate is revealed in her love for her and her wife’s five rescue dogs and cats. “Now, I have my own Helen Keller institute at my house for the deaf and the nervous,” joked Patty, noting that many of their pets have disabilities or impairments. Patty has learned a lot from her wife, who volunteers to confirm the safety of homes into which shelter dogs would move. They’ve both become big pet advocates. “I’d do anything for them, and spend anything for them,” Patty said. But Patty’s service extends even beyond humans and animals! For the past three years, she has been volunteering with the Rainbow Thumb Club to beautify the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard and gardens. While together at CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, Patty learned about the group from Linda DeFeo, who Patty affectionately calls “Mother Earth” for all her plant-based knowledge. “It’s so beautiful there—it really is its own sanctuary,” said Patty about the courtyard. “I’m so glad to volunteer with the Rainbow Thumb Club for CAMP Rehoboth because it’s such a wonderful thing to have in our community.”▼ Matty Brown is the Editorial Assistant for Letters and Operations Administrator at CAMP Rehoboth.

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

67 Letters

CAMPshots

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

Celebrating Summer THIS PAGE: 1) at Battle of the Bachelors: Lex Staines, Elijua Perez, Michael Staines, Oscar Soto, John Murphy, Ashton Randle, Eric Engelhart, Mike DeFlavia, B. Wilcox, Mark Wilcox, Frank Mack, Angel Daiabais, Michael Welborn, Duane Middendorf, Jason Busch, Bob Suppies, Vadim Karpeshov, Tim Pecsenye, Anthony Orman, Charlie Browne, Richard Perry.

OPPOSITE PAGE: more from Battle of the Bachelors: Joe Petrone, Ed Gmoch, Shawn Evans, Paul Ruskay, Brad Greerson, Giouvanni Elzynk, Ellie Cyrus, Rick Perry, Dallas Towner, John Worthington, Bryan Houlette, Tom Protack, Angelo Tabbita; 2) at An Evening with Hillwood, Rehoboth: Carolyn Billinghurst, Charles Plante, Carol Bresler, Megan Martinelli, Ellen Charles (grandaughter of Marjorie Merriweather Post), Charles Graham, Marcia DeWitt, Kate Market, Jim Prettyman, Sallie Forman, John Newton; 3) at Gary Fisher’s Art Opening at Gallery 50: Nancy Kaiser, Gary Fisher, Mary McElhane; 4) at the Purple Parrot: Julia Sugarbaker II, Eric Teves, Scott Burau, Tim Murray, Joe M.; 5) at Clear Space Theatre: Brent Quinn, Frank Del Campo, Steve Morris. (More CAMPshots on page 70)

Letters 68 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

5 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

69 Letters

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

(Continued from page 69) THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at Sun Festival, Jennifer Holliday performance: Jennifer Holliday, John Kaplan, Bruce Clayton, Magnolia Applebottom, Chris Beagle, William Greene, Anthony Sacco, RB Commissioner Dick Byrne, Sherri Wright; 2) at Aqua: Marc Donnelly, Chris Wibert, David Clarke, Annie Clarke, Ron Price, Mary Buchness, Mark Clark, Aggie Byers, Jim Swart, Charlie Jones, Kane Jones, Daniel Jones, John Walden, Rick James, Shannon Taylor, Jamie Morino, Angelo Tabbita, Christopher Connor, Jim Goodwill. OPPOSITE PAGE: 3) at the Sun Festival Cornhole Tournament: Siobhan Sullivan, Betsy Cohen, Pat Catanzariti, Matty Brown, Bea Vuocolo; 4) at the Iron Hill Brewery Give Back Night with Off 24: Paul Lindsey, Richard Gamble, Jo Ann Cason, Peggy Neidlinger; 5) at the Sun Festival 5K, Biathlon, and Walk: Ann Brown, Mick Donnelly, Margaret Colvin, Sheila Young, Tim Young, Xavier Castillo, Vanessa Barlow, Stella Castillo; 6) at the Sun Festival Studio 54 Party, Diego’s: Khusan Odilovich, Cody Allen, John Downs, Jeff Katz; 7) at the Sun Festival Women’s Dance, Port 251: Claire Snyder-Hall, Mikki Snyder-Hall, Karen Faber, Lisa Faber, Lisa Mosley, Kaye Sullivan; 8) at Sun Festival, The Skivvies performance: Diana Huey, Nick Cearley, Lauren Molina, Randy Harrison, Debbie Woods, Leslie Sinclair, Muriel Hogan, Kathy Wiz, Mike Lucas, Bill Amery, Bridget Bauer, Linda Bova, Keith Petrack, Michael Fetchko. (More CAMPshots on page 92) Letters 70 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Celebrating Summer

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

71 Letters

Q Puzzle First Thing in the Morning ACROSS 1 Shakespearean auxilliary 5 Mistake by Glenn Burke 10 Words after woe 14 Current currency of Sitges 15 Western director Sergio 16 Lindsay Lohan’s “___ Girls” 17 Start of what 36-Across said she would do first thing in the morning 20 DiCaprio title role of 1996 21 Bottom 22 Pitching stat 23 Pick up 26 ___ Cabin Federation 27 Modern Family family member 29 White as a ghost 30 Mother of Chaz 32 Solid gold measures 34 Mapplethorpe work 35 Hairy copiers 36 Writer with many friends 41 Guthrie with a guitar 42 One that ought to be paddled 43 It shoots off in Yellowstone 46 Cowboy actor Jack 47 “___ was saying ...” 50 Gaydar, perhaps 51 Mo. named after a Caesar

Letters 72 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Solution on Page 100 5 3 54 55 58 60 63 64 65 66 67 68

Grand ___ Opry Butler on television QAF director McDougall Travels aimlessly End of what she said Milk man? Witherspoon of Legally Blonde Stadium level Painting and such, to Michelangelo Arrow shaft Vibrator measure

DOWN 1 Language of the cut 2 Shirley, in Terms of Endearment 3 Will’s presidential namesake 4 Part of a vacuum that sucks 5 Spreading tree 6 Wilder’s The Bridge of San Luis ___ 7 Campus mil. org. 8 Tatum of The Bad News Bears 9 Footwear brand 10 Online intro 11 Edward Albee play 12 Hall & Oates song about fellator? 13 It was sometimes split, for Kopay

18 19 24 25 28 3 1 33 34 36 37 38 39 40 41 44 45 47 48 49 52 56 57 59 60 61 62

Top banana Frat party robe Cat on ___ Tin Roof B in Leviticus Papers of D.H. Lawrence, e.g. Auto pioneer Henry Lothario Pam Parsons and David Kopay The Nanny star Fran Timothy of Damages ___ Alto, California Like a rim job The Thin Man actor Cesar Personal-ad info Lawman Wyatt Peter the Great and more ___ for Strings (work of 48-Down) Composer Barber Dildo, e.g. Playwright Jean Composer Thomas Nemesis of Tinkerbell Where to see rabbit ears? Cruising area Big initials in fashion Supporter of SpencerDevlin

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

73 Letters

AVOIDING CAT-ASTROPHE

BY TYLER MENDELSOHN

Cosmo the Wonder Cat

or years, I thought my allergies were so bad I couldn’t be around animals. It turns out my alcoholism was so bad I couldn’t be around animals. Six months into quitting drinking, a world opened for me that I had wanted for ages—to be able to live with and love a pet. Fast forward several years, and Cosmo—a cat the color of a cow—came into my life through a partner, Trish. Cosmo had been described by the shelter as having “a lot of love to give,” but by the vet as being unable to receive certain treatments “due to temperament.” While I’ve been called the “cat whisperer,” Cosmo and I had a rough time at first. In Trish’s then-apartment, which was a tiny one-bedroom in an attic, he was territorial. I was a little afraid of him. When I went to the bathroom at night, he would always be waiting in some corner to attack my feet. It didn’t seem playful when he did. A year and a half into our relationship, Trish and I moved to a house together. I don’t know if it’s because Cosmo had more space to roam, or because he and I were suddenly spending double the amount of time together, but our relationship completely transformed. Cosmo started following (and still follows) me everywhere, purring. I’ve taken videos where I pace back and forth so my friends can see the depth of his devotion; his little body sprints to go whatever direction I go. My starting to work from home during COVID-19 only exacerbated Cosmo’s neediness, and my own. Trish works in healthcare, so she goes in every day, but I’m still working from home. When I’m upstairs in my office, he sits at the bottom of the steps and literally howls for attention. I play with him (he loves rolled-up receipts and a random ping-pong ball we found in the house), then go back up to work. Five minutes later he’s bereft from lack of attention. At the beginning of the pandemic, when we didn’t know much, Trish going into work was terrifying. I was living in panic. Then, in the summer, I had a prolonged cancer scare that ended last October in surgery to remove a tumor. As I sat with the uncertainty of the early pandemic, and as I waited to find out whether I had cancer—while not being able to see my friends in person—Cosmo was there.

When I’m upstairs in my office, [Cosmo] sits at the bottom of the steps and literally howls for attention.

Letters 74 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

I started making videos of myself saying ridiculous things to him in a ridiculous voice, and it made me laugh. He made me laugh. He cuddled me, and I don’t want to anthropomorphize him too much, but I think he understood. After I had surgery, he avoided the area where I was healing—a place on my body he often sat—when he cuddled. Four months after my surgery, Cosmo threw up a lot several days in a row. We brought him to the vet, and it turned out he was in renal failure. He hadn’t shown any obvious signs of being sick, like a lack of appetite or lethargy. When they got his levels of creatinine—a waste product typically removed from the body by the kidneys that can be elevated when your kidneys aren’t working properly—they told us he could have days or weeks to live. He was in the ER for four days and his health started looking up. After trying multiple treatment plans, we found one that works for the guy who can’t get certain treatments due to temperament: subcutaneous fluids every other day, and a powder pill that goes into his wet food. The pill is a probiotic that eats creatinine, a fun fact I was telling everyone at the beginning because I thought it was cool and sci-fi-y. While other people who are in recovery as long as I’ve been (six years) might not think about their sobriety as much anymore, I do, because I have a cat—the best cat. Recovery has brought me everything good I have in my life now. But even if it hadn’t, the allergies thing would be enough to keep me sober. The day I write this marks six months since Cosmo’s diagnosis. His last checkup, his levels were great. He still follows me around, bothers me throughout the workday, and (as my therapist points out) sits on my lap and stares lovingly at me during therapy sessions. I already felt so grateful to be able to have a pet at all. Then through a very rough year last year, I felt extra lucky to have him around. Now that I’ve thought I might lose him, I’m a whole new level of thankful. ▼ Tyler Mendelsohn is a Baltimore-based writer who works in addiction recovery, a frequent visitor to Rehoboth, and a lover of books, music, friends, and cat-friends.

Lana Warfield You’ve Always Belonged Here . . .

Living at the Beach with your Best Friend, hits all the right notes 

16712 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE

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

E-mail: lcwarfield@hotmail.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

75 Letters

Celebrity Interview

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

Guncle to Guncle

read Steven Rowley’s third novel, The Guncle, with my 8-year-old niece in mind. After all, his book makes a case for how parenting extends beyond a child’s actual parents to include uncles, aunts, friends, grandma, grandpa, babysitters…. Rowley’s book explores the bond between guncles and their nieces (and nephews) with astute, heartwarming observations, while illustrating how the term “parent” expands beyond traditional mom and dad roles. In the book, Rowley’s character Patrick is a gay man who spends his days in Mr. Turk caftans, soaking up the Palm Springs sun. He’s no longer the sitcom star he once was, so he’s got some time on his hands. That is, until his life is turned upside down when Maisie and Grant, his niece and nephew, lose their mother, also one of Patrick’s dearest friends and his sister-in-law. Suddenly, Patrick becomes the children’s temporary guardian. Just one who happens to love a draping caftan. Rowley spoke to me from Palm Springs, where he lives.

and seeing this lifestyle that’s very different from what they’re used to seeing— that’s where I had some fun, particularly in creating JED, the gay throuple that lives just over Patrick’s wall on the neighboring property. Putting them in a situation where they might see different relationship models and types of families was fun to play with.

Because of my relationship with my niece, I really identified with this idea of how guncles can be an escape for the nieces and nephews in their life and can offer some stability when they need it most. Can you talk about that in terms of this story? I have five nieces and nephews. I don’t have children of my own, but I felt I had things I wanted to say about kids. My nieces and nephews, they don’t quite have a grasp on my life. They’re all on the East Coast; I live in Palm Springs. I have a house with a swimming pool. I don’t go to an office the way they see other adults go, and so they don’t quite have my life pegged. It was truly fun to celebrate the specialness of these relationships.

I love that you come at family structure from different angles. It’s a slight echo of who an uncle is, the “it takes a village” kind of attitude about raising kids. It does take more than just parents sometimes. And that more than two people would be in a relationship is really scary thinking to a lot of people. So, it was fun to play with people’s expectations about who this throuple might be and divert those expectations a bit by making them very family-minded with legitimate things to contribute to the conversation.

Like Maisie and Grant when they visit Patrick, do you recognize a special level of excitement when your nieces and nephews come see you in Palm Springs? For sure. The idea of having kids here Letters 76 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

I’ve had a long fascination with Auntie Mame and other magical caregiver stories…. It seemed fun to me to create a queer entry in that genre.

What do your nieces and nephews think of the fact that their guncle has written a book? They’re still a little young. But I’m sorry for anyone who happens to be related to a writer (laughs). We do tend to lift things. But the book is dedicated to the five of them, so to the extent that I may have borrowed from their lives, I hope they will forgive me.

In the acknowledgements, you also say that your editor, Sally Kim, recognized this story before you did. Could you talk about that and how it developed? It stemmed from a week where my brother brought his two boys to visit. He’s an attorney in Boston, and he was here with the boys for a week, but after about 12 hours here he got called into court to represent one of his clients. He had to leave, and I suddenly was left with the two boys. I felt like an understudy being thrust into the lead role. I documented the whole thing on Instagram. My editor was watching me flounder that week, and she said, “You know, I think there might be something to write about here.” So, some of this is based on your own experiences. It’s a combination of a number of things. One is, I’ve had a long fascination with Auntie Mame and other magical caregiver stories: Mary Poppins, Maria from The Sound of Music. It seemed fun to me to create a queer entry in that genre. How else do you explain this relationship between guncles and their nieces and nephews? I do make a joke in the book. Patrick says to the kids, “You know, I have a swimming pool with no natural heirs. You should be nice to me.” I think there’s an absolute acceptance of them for who they are. I think they respond to that energy. ▼ Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national LGBTQ+ wire service. He has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey, and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in the New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @ chrisazzopardi.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

77 Letters

arts+entertainment

BY DOUG YETTER

SPOTLIGHT ON THE

arts

CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at the Heart of Our Community

Transmogrification

reat word, huh? “The ability to transform in a surprising or magical manner.” It’s the term I use to describe what happens here every autumn. We barely have time to reclaim our beach and boardwalk before it’s time to pack

away the tropical prints and mankinis and pull the long pants and sensible socks out of mothballs. The arts make their own transition. Instead of spending weekends at the bandstand, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony, Coast-

al Concerts, and the new Mispillion Performance Series will provide us with music. Freeman Stage goes dark, Clear Space soldiers on, and JAZZ takes over the city from October 14-17. The music and the magic continue. ▼

AT THE CAMP REHOBOTH GALLERY

Wake Up! It’s bear season at CAMP Rehoboth—not the four-legged variety, but those fuzzy fellows you meet at local watering holes. Wake Up! celebrates the bear community with work by local and regional artists including Michael Muller, Scott Brooks, Jeffrey Moore, Craig Simmons, and many more. The exhibit has been extended through October 11. ▼

Exum Art CAMP hosts a solo show by artist Sheila Exum of Magnolia. Sheila’s love for art has always been a driving force behind her creative custom art commissions, computer-aided designs, and non-fungible token (NFT) paintings. You should Google NFT so you understand what the heck they are! Opening October 16. ▼ CAMP REHOBOTH highlights our community’s unique history and culture, and serves to further diversity, equity, and inclusion, by building unity and understanding. Exhibits may be viewed Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. or by appointment by emailing artshow@ CAMPRehoboth.com. You may view and purchase the art on the CAMP Rehoboth website under the “SHOP” heading. Letters 78 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

(Above, clockwise) Betta; Bryant; and Does He Know by Shelia Exum.

arts+entertainment PERFORMING ARTS CAMP Rehoboth 1st (Second) Fridays (Epworth UMC; 19285 Holland Glade Road) features singers from CAMP Chorus performing solos, duets, and small group numbers centered around the theme “Cheatin’, Drinkin’, and Wild Wimmen.” Plan to attend in person on October 8 (7:00 p.m. and FREE)—or watch the cabaret live-streamed and archived on the CAMP Rehoboth Facebook and YouTube pages. CAMP Rehoboth Theatre (37 Baltimore Ave.; 302-2275620; camprehoboth.com) incollaboration with the Delaware Division of the Arts and the Robert Hoffer Theatre Fund, presents Tiny Beautiful Things (November 5-7) under the direction of Russell Stiles. Cinema Art Theater (17701 Dartmouth Drive, Lewes; 302-313-4032; rehobothfilm. com) continues to follow all CDC guidelines, with reduced seating capacity for in-person viewing, and dozens of films available for streaming. See website for information. Clear Space Theatre Company (20 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-2270; ClearSpaceTheatre.org) presents Thornton Wilder’s classic Our Town through September 26, followed by The Rocky Horror Show, October 15-31. Check their website for details. Coastal Concerts (in residence at Bethel UMC Hall; Fourth and Market Streets, Lewes; 888-212-6458; coastalconcerts.org) opens their season with early-music ensemble Tempesta di Mare, October 23 (2:00 p.m.). Check

out the rest of their fantastic offerings online. Mid-Atlantic Symphony (P.O. Box 3381; Easton, MD 21601; 888-846-8600; midatlanticsymphony.org) presents A Heroic Return with music by Mussorgsky, Ravel, and Beethoven under the baton of Maestro Julien Benichou, September 25, 7:30 p.m. at Cape Henlopen High School. The Milton Theater (110 Union Street, Milton; 302-6843038; miltontheatre.com) has reduced capacity for social distancing and presents a diverse array of talent. Their outdoor Quayside stage remains open through October. Mispillion Performance Series debuts with the Washington Saxophone Quartet (wsaxq.com), Saturday, September 25, 7:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Milford, 101 S. Walnut Street, followed by Duo Sorolla (duosorolla.com) on Saturday, October 23, 7:00 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. Both concerts are FREE and open to the public. Bear in a Blue Red Jock by Jeffrey Todd Moore, CAMP Rehoboth Gallery.

At Peninsula Gallery, The Scenic Route by Meg Nottingham Walsh.

GALLERIES & MUSEUMS CAMP Rehoboth Gallery (37 Baltimore Avenue; 302-2275620; camprehoboth.com) features Wake Up! and Exum Art. (See listing elsewhere in this column.) Gallery 50 (50 Wilmington Avenue; 302-227-2050; gallery50art.com) currently showing Recent Works by Gary Fisher—oil on canvas and paper—through September 22. Peninsula Gallery (520 E. Savannah Road, Lewes; 302-645-0551; peninsulagallery.com) presents Between Two Shores, scenes of the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays by Meg Nottingham Walsh and Bernard Dellario through September 26. Opening October 2, Wine, Women, and All That Jazz—four artists celebrate the Jazz Festival with images of nightlife and famous musicians. Rehoboth Art League (12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres; 302-227-8408; rehobothartleague.org) has several exhibits closing September 26: The Wonders of Watermedia, a juried

showcase from the Delaware Watercolor Society; Mezzanine, works by Antonio McAfee; More Beyond, works by Jan Crooker; and Reflections, works by Laura Erickson. Opening October 1: The Quiet Hour & Abstract Landscape, Juried Members’ Showcases; Geometric Abstractions, works by Jack Knight; Beyond Words, a retrospective by Michael Krausz; and Interpretations of Nature, works by William Patterson. ▼ Doug is the Artistic Director for CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, Director of Music Ministries at Epworth UMC, and co-founder and Artistic Director emeritus of the Clear Space Theater Company. Contact Doug at dougyetter@gmail.com if you want to add your events to the calendar. Check out CAMP Arts on our website at camprehoboth. com for links to all the listed theatres, galleries and museums. This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www. DelawareScene.com.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

79 Letters

arts+entertainment

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

BOOKED SOLID Horse Girls: Recovering, Aspiring, and Devoted Riders Redefine the Iconic Bond Edited by Halimah Marcus c. 2021, Harper Perennial $17.00/$21.00 Canada, 304 pages

You were determined not to get bit. But in a totally different meaning of the word, you were equally determined that your horse would accept one. Without a bit in his mouth, he wouldn’t turn, slow down, or stop when you wanted to ride—and of course, as in Horse Girls, edited by Halimah Marcus, the ride’s the thing. Or is a sense of freedom the best part of owning a horse? Many girls think so, while others just want their very own Flicka or Ginger or Pie. Whatever it is, Marcus says that there’s a difference between “horse girls” and “a horsewoman.” The latter, she writes, is “tough, no-nonsense...riding every day...unsentimental about horses but devoted to them for life”—unlike many of the women in this book who gave up riding as young women and re-established their love for it later in life. But what makes a horse girl? Marginalization, in the stories here. These horse girls often felt shame for not fitting the norm, for being queer, Black, “chubby,” or poor—but they still loved horses. Some of the writers are lesbians, but they didn’t understand it until their girlhoods were over. Alex Marzano-Lesnevich writes of cross-dressing cowboys in history; Sarah Enelow-Snyder writes about Black cowboys and of “curly Afros shoved into unaccommodating cowboy hats.” C. Morgan Babst writes of cruelty and anorexia, a two-pronged part of her childhood.

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Horse girls worry. A lot. They worry about where their horses went after they were sold or given away. On the day she got it, Adrienne Celt worried about how she was going to bury her horse if it died. They worry about disappointing horse-loving parents, and they fret about the best way to introduce their daughters to riding. They ride with joy. They met spouses through horses. They remember the smell of a box that once contained a plastic horse—because, says T Kira Madden, “the thing about a horse is, it’s never about the horse.” Nope, it’s also about stories. Fifteen of them, to be exact, all inside Horse Girls, but unless you’re the horsey-type, you grew up in a saddle, or your shelves once held plastic 1:9-scale horses, you can just mosey along. In that case, you’ll haaaaate this book and that’s okay. It’s not for you anyhow. If you fit the former, though, pommel, stirrup, and all, then editor Halimah Marcus offers stories you’ll devour—stories of loving horses, even when (especially when!) doing so made you an anomaly. There’s strength in that but loss also looms large here, particularly loss of childhood, innocence, or imagination. Fortunately for many of these storytellers and for the readers invited along on this ride, though, recollections are resolved, reasons for them are reconciled, and the endings are mostly satisfying. If you ever trotted around the yard, pretending to be a horse, or if you actually spent your girlhood in a saddle, this book will bring back memories. Horse Girls is a book you won’t want to miss, not even a little bit. ▼ 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.

*Promotion is open to all Sellers who list their property with the Lee Ann Wilkinson Group of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty, who sign Listing Agreements on or after May 15, 2021, with the listing going to settlement by December 15, 2021, to qualify. Drawing to be held on December 15, 2021, where ONE lucky winner will earn a 50% refund on the Seller commission paid at closing. Please contact the Lee Ann Wilkinson Group office at 302-645-6664 for full details. A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

81 Letters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ORANGE LEVEL Gwen Atwell & Marla Hoon Ruth Ball & Mary Ellen Jankowski* Romulus Barba & Dean Yanchulis* Paul Barbera & Joseph Nolan Nancy Bearss & Jenni Lindsay Kathleen Biggs & Maria Campos Kathy Board & Jackie Maddalena Boland Family - In Memory of Michael J. Kelly* Continued on page 84

“PWW Law helped us accomplish our wish list in an understandable way. Now we know we have: • • • • •

Taken care of ourselves. Planned for incapacity. Protected a nest egg. Avoided probate at our deaths. Simplified things for our family.

Our peace of mind is priceless.”

No matter what your wish list looks like, our team will guide you through the estate planning process in a structured, convenient, and easy-to-understand way. Contact us so we can help you plan today to protect your family’s tomorrow.

Estate Planning · Elder Law · Estate & Trust Administration w w w. p w w l a w. c o m 302-703-1731

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

83 Letters

Continued from page 82

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

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

RED LEVEL Guy Abernathey X Dale Adams Adrienne & Kim* Jim Affonco X Mark Aguirre & Wayne Gleason X Bill Alldredge X Stephani Allison & Judith Gorra X Ria Allman

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Marge Amodei* Alan Anderson X Daniel Anderson & Greg Melanson Lois Andreasen & Jean McCullough* Andrea Andrus & Maggie Shaw X Peter Antolini X Patricia Antonisse X Wanda Armwood & Illona Williams Terry & Gayle August Josh Bach & Edward Ginley Kathleen Bailey X John Baker & Richard Latham X John D. Baker June Baker* Sarah Barnett Curtiss Barrows X Brian Bartels Eric Barton & Greg Nagel John Batchelor X Karen Beck Beebe Medical Foundation* Pat Beebe Mike Behringer & Nelson Correa* Alex Belano Sheryl Bender & Doreen DiLorenzo* George Benes & Michael Mallee X Suzanne Bennethum & Deborah Smith Jeri Berc X John Berdini X Joel Berelson & Charles Maples* James C. P. Berry & Matthew Stanislao Lisa Beske - In Loving Memory of Steve Elkins Christine Bielenda & Karen Feuchtenberger* Thomas Biesiadny X Deb Bievenour & Susan Shollenberger* Beatrice Birman & Mary Malgoire Lorraine Biros* Cathin Bishop & Laura Simon X Jason Blachek Ann Black & Kaye Wachsmuth X Carol Blair* Eric Blondin - State Farm Insurance Rehoboth Beach X Jacquelyn Blue X Rev. Dr. Tom Bohache & Tom Laughingwolf Simmons X Annabelle Boire* Carl Bomberger & Mike Rhoads Robin Bond & Leanna Johannes* Bob Bonitati X Joy Boone & Marina Simmers X Randall Borgerson X Pete Borsari X Laura Borsdorf X Nancy Bouse & Norma Morrison X David & Donna Bowman X Deni Boyer & Loretta Imbrogono Brian Boyle & Larry Gee X Beth Bozman Jim Brady & Mike Hays X Victor Branham & Mark Clark Kelly Brennan & Susan McVey* Susan Brinsfield & Barbara Devenport Debora Brooke * Kevin Brown X Lyn Brown & Winsome Boyd Mathew Brown Diane Bruce & Annie Sorvillo* Daniel Bruner & Tim Beymer Marilyn Bryant Donald Bucher & Kevin Paul Al Bulliner X Belinda Buras & Linda Simeone Geoffrey Burkhart & Bruce Williams* Lyn Burleson & Sharon Werner*

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

Carolyn DeVito Dawn Devries & Helen Krum Henry & Marcia DeWitt X Romy Diaz & Dennis Bann Geri Dibiase Photography* Julie Dickson X Richard Dietz Phyllis Dillinger Mary Dipietro & Wendy Schadt* Deb Dobransky & Ketty Bennett* Arthur Dochterman X David & Lizann Dockety X Peg Dolan & Mary McDevitt X Millie Donnell Debbie & Karen Dorris* Kathryn Downs Frances Doyle X Paul Dradransky X Zita Dresner Michael Driscoll & Ben McOmber X Susan Dube & Diana Patterson* Deanna Duby & Carol Bruce Barry Dunkin Brenda Dunn & Karen Anderson Gene Dvornick X Sue Early X Frank Echols & Robert Robinson Eden Restaurant X Claire Edmondson & Louise Bylicki Brad Edwards Gail Elliott & Bea Hickey* Pamela Elliott W. Kay Ellis Susan Farr & Joanne Pozzo Alexis Faust Rene Fechter & Cynthia Smith Larry & Ro Fedorka Karen Ferguson Virginia Fessler & Chris Patton Jayne & Ro Fetterman* Irene & Edward Fick* Allen Fred Fielding X Joe Filipek & Larry Richardson X Mark Finkelstein & Michael Zeik X Paul Finn & Joseph Porporino Rick Fischer X Barbara Fischetti & Janet Thoden Gary Fisher & Josh Bushey* James Fitzsimmons & Brian Burdelle Chuck Flanagan & George Whitehouse X Paul Florentino & Chris Pedersen X Sandra Fluck & Beverly Morgan* Mary Ford & Judy Hedrick X Beebe Frazer X Phil Fretz X Billiemichelle & Evelyn Friel* Neil Frock & Bob Harrison* Marilyn Fuller & Teresa Marigliano June Rose Futcher Lorraine Gaasche & Jill Mayer* Frank Gainer & Ramon Santos* Lynn Gaites & Faye Koslow X Nina Galerstein* Marcia Gallo & Ann Cammett Karen Gantz & Jeanie Geist Kathryn Gantz & Kathryn Gehret Don Gardiner X Cheri Garnet & Cynthia Arno Patricia Garrison Mindy Gasthalter* Wilson Gates X Charles George & Dennis Rivard X Tracey Gersh & Amy Johnson Gary Gillard X Jordan Gipple & Paul Weppner* Joan Glass X Karen Glooch X Jane Godfrey* Randall Godwin X Continued on page 86

ENTERTAINMENT MINUTES FROM THE BEACHES! September 26 - PRINCESS TEA: Interactive Live Show / 1PM October 2 - THE LINDA RONSTADT EXPERIENCE / 3PM & 8PM October 7 - TRENT & THE TRAINWRECK: Quayside@Nite / 7PM October 8 - MONSTER MASH MURDERS: Dinner Theatre / 6:30PM October 10 - TROUT FISHING IN AMERICA: Folk Duo / 7:30PM October 14 - MAMA'S BLACK SHEEP: Quayside@Nite / 7PM October 15 - MAGNOLIA APPLEBOTTOM DRAG SHOW / 8PM BROADWAY & BEYOND October 17 - OH! THE HORRORS: Horror Trailer Challenge / 6:30PM Terry Barber & Grace Field October 21 - LOWER CASE BLUES: Quayside@Nite / 7PM October 1 - Friday - 8PM October 24 - HOCUS POCUS: Film Screening / 3PM & 7PM October 28 - HALLOWEEN KID'S CABARET: Quayside@Nite / 7PM October 29 - HAUNTED HILARITY: Stand-Up Comedy / 8PM October 30 - NIGHTRAIN: The Guns & Roses Experience / 7:30PM October 31 - BACK IN BLACK: AC/DC Experience / 8PM November 4 - AUNT MARY PAT DISABATINO: Comedy Show / 8PM November 5 - MAGNOLIA APPLEBOTTOM DRAG SHOW / 8PM November 11 - COMPLETELY UNCHAINED: Van Halen Tribute / 7:30PM GOOD SHOT JUDY November 14 - MANDIE STEVENSON: Psychic Medium / 7:30PM

Big Amp Jazz Group October 3 - Sunday - 7:30PM

Saturday, October 16, Starts @ 4PM

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

MATERIAL GIRLS

Tribute to Adele, Lady Gaga, Madonna & Cher

October 9 - Saturday - 3PM & 8PM

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

LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL JR. A Milton Theatre In-House Production October 22 - Saturday - 7:30PM October 23 - Sunday - 3PM & 7:30PM

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

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

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

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

Letters 86 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

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Designed For Inclusivity, Designed for You

At The Lodge at Truitt Homestead, we respect, honor and celebrate the individuality of every resident and team member. Here, we believe that a lifestyle community is a place to live, belong, and enjoy 'Life. Your Way.' Named “Best of Delaware” for 2021, The Lodge at Truitt Homestead is proud to be the first SAGECare Certified senior lifestyle community in Delaware, treating each resident with dignity and respect while catering to the unique needs of seniors in the LGBT+ community.

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87 Letters

S R A E B H C A E B H T O B O REH S R A E Y T A E R G 7 CELEBRATING

Letters 88 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Continued from page 86

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

89 Letters

The REAL DIRT

BY ERIC W. WAHL

And All that Jazz

must have lived multiple lives. I have this image of me in a mid-century modern home, chatting with friends in a sunken living room, Manhattans all around, and jazz filling the air with syncopated rhythms and sultry vocals. (Picture James Bond in Goldfinger and Shirley Bassey booming in the background….) Something about jazz, chill-out lounge music, and amazing jazz vocals always makes me pause and daydream of a different life. For example, years ago when I was still new to the area, my partner and I were walking down Rehoboth Avenue one drizzly, October evening. Jazz Fest was beginning, though I was unaware at the time. Music was pouring out of several establishments, but one made me stop in my tracks. I swear it sounded like Ella Fitzgerald. There I stood for what seemed like an hour, outside the Purple Parrot, in the rain. Debra & Patrick were performing that night and listening to them transported me to that other life once again. Feeling in a jazzy mood now, I thought I would spend a little time on plants that are inspired by the same. Take for instance Schizachyrium scoparium “Jazz” or Jazz little bluestem. It was introduced in the early 1900s and is related to Schizachyrium scoparium, “The Blues.” It has narrow, blue foliage that tints purple in Autumn and grows up to two-and-a-half feet tall. Plus, it won’t flop over like some other types. Purplishbronze flowers give way to fluffy, silverywhite seed heads that persist into winter. Little bluestem will tolerate a variety of soils and is great for the rain garden. “Jazz Hands” Bold Loropetalum, or Chinese fringe flower, is another plant that wants to be heard. Bright fuchsia, fringy flowers sit on top of a dark burgundy leaf and seem to vibrate with a syncopated frequency. This plant likes moist but well-drained soils and will grow to be about six feet in height. It makes a bold statement when planted in mass. Letters 90 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Chinese Fringe Flower

It doesn’t necessarily need pruning, however if you do be sure to prune immediately after flowering. Waiting too long to trim will result in cutting off next year’s blooms. Other varieties in the group “Jazz Hands” exist that are dwarf and some even bloom white. For those of you who like climbers, Rosa “That’s Jazz” is a climbing rose that exhibits beautiful red blooms and is quite the vigorous grower. Of course, as with all roses, they can be finicky with mildew and some pests, but proper care and maintenance will provide for a stunning display of velvety red flowers throughout the growing season. It can tolerate numerous soil types but prefers being well-drained. Maybe bulbs are more your style? Tulipa “Jazz” is a pink flowering tulip that is sure to melt hearts in the garden. Broad grey-green leaves give way to bright pink blooms in mid-spring. This tulip likes full sun and should be planted in moist but well-drained soils. As with most bulbs, it does not like saturated or wet conditions. It also doesn’t like being exposed to windy areas, so some

sheltered location that faces east or south would be ideal. I’ll leave you with one more perennial, Echinacea “All That Jazz,” a coneflower with lavender-pink ray-like petals that emulate from an orange cone-shaped center. It grows up to three feet tall in full-sun to part-shade. Deer- and drought-tolerant, it blooms all summer and sporadically into fall. The flowers can be almost four inches across and attract butterflies and other pollinators. A great addition to the perennial border and cutting garden. I hope you’re inspired as much as I am when it comes to jazz, both in music and in the plant kingdom. Hopefully, I’ll see you during Jazz Fest; I’ll be the one outside dreaming of another life once lived. Stay safe and let’s garden together! ▼ Eric W. Wahl is Landscape Architect at Pennoni Associates, and President of the Delaware Native Plant Society

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91 Letters

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

(Continued from page 71) THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at Poodle Beach: Charles Hardy, Lorraine Fritz, Clarence Pineda, Frazer Matthews, Jacob Austin, Lou Panos, Michael Bierds, Michael Solonoski, Rob Stock, Steve Thompson, David Orange, Joe Filipek, Larry Richards; 2) at The Pines: Scott Silbert, Amy Shook, Peggy Raley, Eddie Sherman, Libby York, Robert Red, Artex West, Matt Rice, Tom Hassenboehler, Robert Neill, Kim Welsh, Tony Burns, Wes Combs, Sallie Forman, John Hackett, Essence Cunningham, Toneisha Harris, Robert Seinpon, Farrah Baron. OPPOSITE PAGE: 3) at Stonewall PAC Reception at Lavender Fields: DE U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Christopher Howland, Dwayne Bensing, Marty Renden, John Cianciosi, DE State Rep. Eric Morrison, Erik Raser-Schramm, DE Treasurer Colleen Davis, Kathy McGuiness, RB Commissioner Dick Byrne, Sherri Wright, Leslie Ledogar, Angie Watkins, DE State Senator Marie Pinkney, DE State Senator Sarah McBride, Leslie Calman, Jane Gruenebaum, Marty Rendon, DE State Senator Kylie Evans Gay, DE State Senator Bryan Townsend, DE New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, June Rose Futcher, Daniel Walker, Bill Erlich, DE Govenor John Carney, Ken Highan, David Wall, Bob Houck. ▼ Letters 92 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Celebrating Summer

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

93 Letters

Deep Inside Hollywood

BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE

Nuclear Family Explores Queer Parenting in the 1970s

o listen to most people tell it, the 1970s was a decade where queer people experienced sexual liberation, fought back against homophobes like Anita Bryant, and cheered on Harvey Milk. And while all of those things happened, famously, there were quieter yet no less earthshaking revolutions taking place in domestic spaces. One of those spaces was the childhood home of filmmaker Ry Russo-Young, the child of lesbian mothers whose idyllic existence was thrown into chaos when one of the couple’s sperm donors sued for visitation and paternity rights. Now Russo-Young’s documentary about her mothers and the fallout from that lawsuit, Nuclear Family, will air in three parts on HBO and HBO Max. It’s essential, historically important viewing, a sobering reminder of decades of legal attacks on queer families, the legacy of lesbians losing custody of their own children, and how one family survived their ordeal. The series drops September 26. ▼

Queer Stars Will Spin the Celebrity Wheel of Fortune

Nyle DiMarco Runs to Flash Before the Bang

f you’ve got Apple TV+ and you’ve finished binging as much of Ted Lasso as you can, you’ll find similarly heartwarming fare in CODA, the deaf family musical drama starring Marlee Matlin and Emilia Jones. Now, on the heels of that wellreceived film comes Flash Before the Bang, a true story about deaf athletes. Queer America’s Next Top Model alum Nyle DiMarco stars in the period drama about an all-deaf high school track and field team from the Oregon School for the Deaf. The team battled their way to wins over other public schools before becoming the Oregon State Track & Field Champions of 1986. The film is written and directed by deaf filmmaker Jevon Whetter, and CODA co-star Troy Kotsur and real-life wife, deaf actor Deanne Bray (Heroes), will have supporting roles. Currently in pre-production, shooting looks to start in spring of 2022. ▼ Letters 94 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

t turns out that a lot of you found comfort viewing bliss last year with ABC’s Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. And as the pandemic continues, the network is banking on you coming back to cozy up to the coming second season. There may not be any more ceramic Dalmations on the prize platform, but there are more than a few queer celebrities who’ll be playing to win (and we assume donating those winnings to charity) when the new round of contests drops on Sunday, September 26. The line-up includes Tituss Burgess, Mario Cantone, Laverne Cox, John Michael Higgins, Raven-Symoné, Johnny Weir, and bisexual musician Jason Mraz. In other words, it’s going to be a non-stop primetime Pride parade, a lot of LGBTQ+ folks buying vowels and solving puzzles. Stay home! Shout answers from the couch! ▼

Billy Porter and Gabrielle Union Get Real

illy Porter and Gabrielle Union are about to bring you a queer teen high school comedy. The Pose star recently finished directing his first feature film—the forthcoming What If? —and he’s already moving on to the next, called To Be Real. Gabrielle Union (star of L.A.’s Finest and outspoken mom to a transgender child) has a production company that sold the comedy to Amazon. With a script by Ryan Shiraki, writer-director of Spring Breakdown and the queer indies Freshman Orientation and Poster Boy, the movie is pitched as a cross between Booksmart and Superbad, the story of three queer high school kids traveling to their first New York City Pride parade and running into wild situations along the way. There’s no cast yet, and no shoot date, so place this one on your calendar as dropping sometime in 2022. Maybe by then Pride parades will be back, too. ▼ Romeo San Vicente answers to Daddy.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

95 Letters

The reviews are in!

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Look for it at Browseabout Books and One Day at a Time Gift Shop SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

97 Letters

WE REMEMBER

Michael Roussell

ichael Roussell, a former Rehoboth Beach resident, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Pompano Beach, Florida, on August 23, 2021 at the age of 72. Michael and his husband, Ben Killebrew, were well-known in Rehoboth Beach. They owned the Shore Inn from 1995 to 2000. Ben was the auctioneer and emcee at many Sundance events for CAMP Rehoboth. (His death in 2014 ended a relationship that lasted more than 30 years.) Michael worked at the Beebe Hospital Thrift Shop on Route 1 as Assistant Manager, and did additional volunteering for the hospital as a patient intake assistant. After Ben’s death, Michael moved to South Florida, where he also was a volun-

teer, working in the thrift store and food bank at Povarello’s, a community center that supports the LGBTQ community and others in Wilton Manors. He also worked at the Port of Fort Lauderdale, greeting and checking in cruise passengers. He loved reading and going to theater events. Michael will be remembered for his energy, his good humor, his love for his dogs, and his kindness. He never turned down the opportunity to be of assistance. He is survived by his brothers, John and Steven, and sisters Deb and Barbara, as well as Ben’s son Justin and daughter Shelly, plus nieces and nephews. Burial will be alongside Ben at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, at a date to be determined. ▼

Michael (Mickey) McGraw

ichael (Mickey) McGraw passed away in his Rehoboth Beach home on August 22, 2021. The son of the late Jeanette and Richard McGraw, Jr., Mickey was born October 30, 1958 in Annapolis, Maryland. His is survived by his husband and partner of 30 years, Greg Grevera, and his three children with Robbi Ward: Sean McGraw, Jessi McGraw Linder, and Logan McGraw. He has three loving grandchildren, Kayla, Luc, and Penelope. Mickey attended St. Mary’s elementary and high schools in Annapolis and became a successful banker. In retirement he studied for, and became, a licensed barber. Mickey was a proud co-owner of Big Sissies Bar & Grill in Rehoboth Beach. His dream was to retire to the beach, which he accomplished 12 years ago. He loved to cook and bake, hang out at Gordon’s Pond, read, spend time with family and friends, and do Sunday brunch. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cape Henlopen State Park (friendsofcapehenlopen.org/donate) and to CAMP Rehoboth (camp-rehoboth. myshopify.com/products/camp-rehoboth-donations). A celebration of life will be held in the Annapolis area at a time in the near future. Details will be posted on dignitymemorial.com. With permission of our grandson, Luc Linder, August 2021: Big Daddy’s Next Adventure - Game show host on the Price is Right - Judge on Westminster Dog Show - Have a lot of naked lady pics - Drive any car he wants - Top game show contestant Letters 98 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

- #1 horse racer - Biggest jokester - He can sit at the beach all day - Beat all of us in bowling ▼

Tracy Dean Limmer

racy Dean Limmer, 60, of Rehoboth Beach, formerly of Washington, DC, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 16, 2021, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, after a two-month battle with pancreatitis. Tracy was born May 7, 1961, son of the late Ted Limmer and the late Lavere Limmer. Tracy was the lead account technician for Citicorp for the past 13 years. He loved being part of the Rehoboth Beach community, enjoying all the wonderful restaurants and entertainment venues the town has to offer, and being a supporter of Sundance. He could be seen regularly in the off-season walking on the beach with his partner, Wayne, and their dog, Max. Tracey is survived by his loving partner of 13 years, Wayne Hodge; his brother David Limmer and his wife, Meg, of Midlothian, Virginia; his brother Mark Limmer and his wife, Cathy, of Buford, Georgia; along with two nephews, one niece, and five great-nieces/ nephews. ▼

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

99 Letters

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BLOCK PARTY | OCTOBER 10 Spots available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sign up at camprehoboth.com/volunteers. CAMPCIERGES Join the CAMPcierge team to serve CAMP Rehoboth’s mission on the frontlines. These volunteers earn a deeper understanding of what CAMP does by greeting guests, answering phones, and performing other administrative tasks in the Community Center. Please email matty@camprehoboth.com if you are interested.

YOUR NAME

PARTNER’S NAME ( IF APPLICABLE)

Your volunteer efforts benefit you and others.

STREET MAILING ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP

☐ YES ☐ NO PHONE

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

IS THIS A RENEWAL?

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

thank you ARTS TEAM

Edward Alban Kerry Hallett Jane Knaus Lois Powell Leslie Sinclair Tiffany Smith Patricia Stiles Debbie Woods CAMP COMMUNITY CENTER

Ann Evans Natalie Moss Sandra Skidmore Alan Spiegelman

CAMP MAINTENANCE

Eric Korpon

CAMP REHOBOTH OUTREACH PROGRAM (CROP)

Karen Anderson Deb Carroll Brian Cox Brenda Dunn Richard Gamble Todd Hacker

Jill Masterman Paul Lindsey Rose Moorehead Konrad Knoebel Kat Riley Leslie Sinclair Jill Steiner Debbie Woods CAMPCIERGES

Barbara Breault Jeff Buhrman David Carder Max Dick E.J. Kenyon Jim Mease Kim Nelson Pat Powell Patricia Stiles Russell Stiles CAMPSHOTS PHOTO VOLUNTEERS

Tony Burns Dave Camorali Fay Jacobs Laura Reitman

CHORUS LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Neil Frock Bill Fuchs Dianna Johnston Judy Olsen Kim Schilpp Dave Scuccimarra Sandra Skidmore

to all the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center volunteers for the period: Aug. 6 - Sept. 11, 2021

FIRST FRIDAYS WITH THE CAMP REHOBOTH CHORUS (AUG/ SEPT)

Barry Bugg Sally Gilles Gail Hecky Bo Gordy-Stith Vicki Gordy-Stith Dave Minges Andrea Monetti EBAY VOLUNTEER Ron Parks Tony Mazzarella Gloria Richards Larry Rosen DDOA AWARD WINNERS David Scuccimarra RECEPTION Tracey Seabolt Barbara Breault Sandra Skidmore Mike DeFlavia Kathleen Taylor Jordan Gipple Doug Yetter Derrick Johnson Jason Mathis GRANTS COMMITTEE Diane Meade Leslie Calman Dotti Outland Kate Cauley Wendi Schirvar David Garrett Leslie Sinclair John Roane Patricia Stiles Leslie Sinclair Russell Stiles Debbie Woods LETTERS ARCHIVIST Ronald Dempsey

Sparky Jones Chip Logan Meredith Brumbaugh Carolyn Ortwein Mary Ellen Mannion Samantha Pietryak Jim Mease Diane Scobey Evie Simmons LETTERS MAILING TEAM Barb Thompson David Carder Margaret Tobin David Hagelin Elva Weininger Nancy Hewish Grant Kingswell SEPTEMBER Vickie Martina HANDMADE MARKET Stephen Palmer Richard Dietz Russell Stiles Mark Eubanks Linda Yingst Chip Logan Jim Mease MEMBERSHIP TEAM Doug Sellers Jane Blue David Carder SOCIAL MEDIA Ann Evans Sidney Wollmuth LETTERS DISTRIBUTION TEAM

VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

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

RAINBOW THUMB CLUB

Dale Adams Chris Bowers Carol Brice Linda DeFeo Karen DeSantis Patricia DiModugno Monica Fleischman

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

101 Letters

AD INDEX Accent On Travel........................................................ 25 AG Renovations.......................................................... 63 Allen Jarmon, Realtor................................................. 49 Aqua Bar & Grill.......................................................... 61 Beebe Healthcare...................................................... 56 Beebe Healthcare Career Opportunities................... 91 Brandywine Urology Consultants............................... 21 Brandywine Valley SPCA............................................ 43 BSD............................................................................. 75 Café Azafran............................................................... 45 CAMP Rehoboth Block Party.........................................7 CAMP Rehoboth Letters Subscription...................... 101 CAMP Rehoboth Membership Matters....................... 23 Caroline Huff, Artist.................................................... 19 Cat & Mouse Publishing............................................. 97 Chesapeake & Maine................................................. 73 Chris Beagle, Realtor................................................. 37 Clear Space Theatre................................................... 65 Coho’s Market & Grill.................................................. 31 Country Lawn Care................................................... 102 County Bank............................................................... 15 DE Div of Public Health Tobacco................................ 13 Delaware Community Foundation............................. 99 Delaware Hospice...................................................... 27 Delaware Humane Association ................................. 47 Delaware Pride .......................................................... 95 Donna Whiteside, Realtor.......................................... 16 Duck Donuts............................................................... 15 Fifth Avenue Jewelers................................................ 23

Letters 102 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant............................. 62 Gay Women’s Meet Up............................................... 63 General Dentistry....................................................... 87 Go Fish Go Brit .......................................................... 37 God’s Greyts Senior Greyhounds............................... 83 Goolee’s Grille............................................................ 62 Harbour Waterfront Dining......................................... 41 Harvey Grider, Accent On Travel 7-night Cruise........ 72 Hugh Fuller, Realtor.................................................... 50 Immanuel Shelter....................................................... 41 Indigo Indian Cuisine................................................. 49 Jack Lingo, Real Estate.............................................. 77 Jenn Harpel, Morgan Stanley..................................... 15 Jolly Trolley................................................................ 23 Just In Thyme Restaurant........................................... 19 Lana Warfield, Realtor................................................ 75 Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, Realtors............................ 81 Lori’s Café.................................................................. 97 Loves Liquors............................................................. 31 McWilliams Ballard Real Estate.................................. 67 MERR Institute............................................................ 97 Midway Fitness & Racquetball................................. 103 Milton Theatre............................................................ 85 Olivia Travel................................................................ 17 PFLAG......................................................................... 83 Port 251..................................................................... 29 Purple Parrot.............................................................. 51 PWW Law.................................................................... 83 Randall-Douglas......................................................... 49

Randy Mason/Shirley Kalvinsky, Realtors.................. 19 Rehoboth Beach Bears............................................... 88 Rehoboth Beach Dental............................................. 45 Rehoboth Beach Museum.......................................... 57 Rehoboth Guest House.............................................. 23 Rehoboth Massage & Alignment................................ 57 Rigby’s........................................................................ 55 Saved Souls Animal Rescue....................................... 37 Sea Bova Associates, Realtors................................. 104 Shorebreak Lodge...................................................... 75 Springpoint Choice..................................................... 96 State Farm - George Bunting..................................... 63 State Farm - Jeanine O’Donnell/Eric Blondin............. 57 Sun Festival Thank You........................................ 10, 11 Sussex Family YMCA.................................................. 63 The Lawson Firm........................................................ 87 The Lodge at Truitt Homestead.................................. 87 The Pines.................................................................... 59 Time to Heal Counseling & Consulting...................... 44 Troy Roberts, Realtor.................................................. 41 True Blue Jazz............................................................ 35 Unfinished Business................................................... 45 Village Volunteers...................................................... 80 Volunteer Opportunities........................................... 101 Volunteer Thank You................................................ 101 Where To Next Travel................................................. 33 Windsor’s Flowers...................................................... 87

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LINDA BOVA

BRIDGET BAUER

BROKER-ABR®

ASSOC. BROKER-REALTOR®

CELL

302-542-4197

302-245-0577

LOCHWOOD - Lewes. New Construction w/late Winter Delivery. 3BR/2BA 1,640sf. Bamboo floors, SS appliances, granite & more. 12’x16’ deck. 0.23 acres. $379,900 (2003552) similar home shown

CREEKWOOD - Rehoboth Beach. 2BR/2BA 1st-floor condo is 1,060sf Chesapeake floor plan. Split BR layout. Galley kitchen. Dining area. Stack W&D. Community pool. $259,000 (2005562)

COLONIAL EAST - Rehoboth. 1978 14’x70’ 3BR/1.5BA. w/main bedroom addition. 10’x31’ enclosed porch. Shed. Furnished. Community pool. 4 miles to bch. $135,000

COLONIAL EAST - Rehoboth. 2011 singlewide 14’x70’ Redman 3BR/2BA home. Screened front porch. Eat-in kit. Shed. Community pool. 4 miles to bch. $89,900

(2006494) Lot Rent $554/mt.

WHITE TAIL LANE - Millsboro. You’ll find this 2002 3BR/2.5BA Cape Cod-style home down a long, private gravel lane. The 2-story home is approx. 2,100 sq. ft. on 4.1 acres. Attached 2-car garage & an enormous 30’x40’ 2-story pole barn w/lean-to for your boat or other “toys.” Formal LV w/gas FP. Big kitchen w/dining area. Family room is next to the kitchen, so it could be a formal dining room. Main bedroom & bath are on the 1st floor. Two big BRs upstairs. So much attic storage space. No HOA. $575,000 (183706)

(NEW) Lot Rent $540/mt.

MARINERS COVE - Millsboro. 2019 28’ x 56’ 3BR/2BA doublewide on the canal w/your own private dock. Community pool. 15 miles to the boardwalk. $175,000 (20065361) Lot Rent $1,102/mt.

PINTAIL POINTE - Milton. New Construction – Move-In Ready!!! 4BR/2BA home is a 2,029 sq. ft. one-level rancher with an oversized 2-car garage. Open concept floor plan. Great room has vaulted ceilings & opens to the kitchen and dining area. There is also a sliding

*A/C

glass door to the 16’x20’ deck, which overlooks a small stream. Main bedroom suite also has vaulted ceilings, walk-in closet w/ skylight, tiled shower & double vessel sinks. 5” oak floors. Stainless steel kitchen appliances. 12 miles to the boardwalk. $499,900 (200664)

SHIPBUILDERS VILLAGE Milton. Located 1 mile from the historic downtown area. 57’x93’ lot is ready your new construction home. Cape schools. 15 miles to RB boardwalk. $77,500 (184316)

~ CALL ~ THERESA CAPPUCCINO REALTOR ®

609-515-5820 cell email

DelawareBeach@yahoo.com

LOCHWOOD - Lewes. New Construction – Starting Mid-July. 3BR/2BA 1,570 sq. ft. home. Popular open floor plan with a split-bedroom layout. Kitchen will feature stainless steel appliances & granite countertops. 0.35 acres. Screened porch. 10 miles to beach. Low HOA fees - $240/year. $419,900 (185068)

*A/C

MILTON - Carpenter Road. 1971 4BR/2BA Class C home is nicely remodeled. 0.47 acres w/fenced backyard. Well & septic. No HOA. 10 miles to Lewes public beach. $260,000 (2003552)

*A/C

OAK FOREST - Millsboro. 1983 14’x68’ 3BR/2BA needs TLC. Large lot. Screened porch. Close to Massey’s Landing public boat launch. 13 miles to Reh Bch. $36,500 (2005648) Lot Rent $415/mt.

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

– RealEstate@SEABOVA.com

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