Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 31, No. 11

Glad Tidings Reflections Welcome 2022!

C R E A T I N G

A

M O R E

P O S I T I V E

R E H O B O T H

December 17, 2021 Volume 31, Number 11 camprehoboth.com

inside

THIS ISSUE

VOLUME 31, NUMBER 11 • DECEMBER 17, 2021

4 In Brief

24 Health & Wellness

70 CAMP Houses

6 Out In Delaware

MARJ SHANNON

RICH BARNETT

DAVID MARINER

8 President’s View

Next Year’s Resolutions

26 The Sound of Music DAVID GARRETT

10 Intentionally Inclusive

28 A New Year Beckons

WES COMBS

12 CAMP News 14 Community News 16 Who’s That? That’s CAMP!

The Newest Leaders at CAMP Rehoboth (Part 1 of 2) ANITA BROCCOLINO

18 The Writing Life Mission Accomplished MATTY BROWN

20 The Real Dirt

The Holly and the Ivy ERIC W. WAHL

74 Deep Inside Hollywood

Striking a Joyful Chord

CHRIS BEAGLE

What Does Making an Impact Mean to You?

Club Kent

ROMEO SAN VICENTE

84 Players & the Playwright

A Resolution Worth Keeping

Ticking His Way to the Top

ED CASTELLI

CHRIS AZZOPARDI

30 It’s My Life

Artist Rebecca Daidson at the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery.See page 66.

The Ghost of Christmas Present MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

38 Out & Proud Roe v. Wade Redux STEFANI DEOUL

32 Out & About ERIC PETERSON

40 Acoustic Christmas

34 Words Matter

BETH SHOCKLEY

Happy Golden Globes of Yore

It’s About Time

CLARENCE FLUKER

36 Dining Out

42 Visiting View

Keep Christmas with You

Welcome to Freddie’s—Over the Top and Wonderful FAY JACOBS

22 The (Very) Good Sport A Man for All Seasons

The Best Christmas Present Ever

ROBERT DOMINIC

44 CAMP Critters 50 Historical Headliners

Ancient Merrymaking: Elagabalus & Saturnalia ANN APTAKER

MICHAEL GILLES

52 Do You Hear What I Hear?

Radio Rehoboth: Our Community Airwave

88 Celebrity Interview Kristin Chenoweth MICHAEL COOK

91 We Remember

FAY JACOBS

54 Q-Puzzle 56 CAMPshots ‘Tis the Season

60 View Point Oy to the World

RICHARD ROSENDALL

ON THE COVER Holiday Spirit

Special thanks fo our holiday cover model, Jay Xavier Johnson.

Photo by Murray Archibald

64 Volunteer Spotlight The Woman Extraordinaire ANITA BROCCOLINO

66 CAMP Arts DOUG YETTER

68 Booked Solid TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

See page 20

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

DECEMBER 17, 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, Chris Beagle, Anita Broccolino, Matty Brown, Ed Castelli, Wes Combs, Michael Cook, Stefani Deoul, Robert Dominic, Clarence Fluker, Michael Thomas Ford, David Garrett, Michael Gilles, Fay Jacobs, David Mariner, Tricia Massella, Eric Peterson, Mary Beth Ramsey, Richard Rosendall, Romeo San Vicente, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Beth Shockley, Marj Shannon, 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

The Way I See It

BY MARJ SHANNON, EDITOR

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, 2021 HAS CERTAINLY BEEN BETTER-AND-BRIGHTER THAN 2020—BUT then, 2020 was not a difficult year to best. Here’s to a 2022 that continues the upward trend and brings us—soon—to a new normal that more closely resembles the pre-pandemic one.

Meanwhile, CAMP Rehoboth (and Letters) bring you many glad tidings! Seasonal ones include a new album from Kristen Chenoweth (page 88), a tale about a best Christmas gift ever (page 40), and news of a Rehoboth athlete’s induction into Delaware’s Track & Field Hall of Fame (page 22).

Feeling nostalgic? So is Robert Dominic (page 42); he’s got lots of holiday traditions he enjoys.

And Ann Aptaker (page 50) takes us back to the ancient Romans and their Saturnalia festivities, precursors to our own late-December celebrations.

Of course, some of us are finding our own tidings more subdued than glad this year. Michael Thomas Ford’s column on page 30 may speak especially to folks who—like the author—can’t quite muster “jolly” this year.

Resolutions? We’ve got that covered, too—Ed Castelli shares his on page 28; maybe they’ll resonate also with you. Or take a peek at the Health & Wellness column (page 24) for a different, one-word approach to resolutions. Clarence Fluker (page 34) encourages us—as the year winds down—to reflect deeply on how we’re using our time and allow ourselves to say “yes” to what we need, even if that means sometimes saying “no” to others.

We also welcome 2022, with an introduction to All Saints’ Episcopal Church’s new Director of Music Ministry (page 26), who begins work in February. There’s also a glimpse into a school board member’s hopes for the Red Clay School District (page 6).

Outgoing CAMP Rehoboth Board President Chris Beagle’s column (page 8) gives us both a look back at CAMP Rehoboth’s past year and a look forward to 2022, when new officers move into their roles. Our Who’s That?...That’s CAMP! column (page 16) introduces us to three (of five) Board members who joined in 2021 (profiles of the remaining two will appear in Letters’ February 2022 issue).

This issue wraps up another year for the Letters staff—always a time for both looking back and planning ahead. We are excited to report that next year, Letters will publish 13 issues—two more than we published this year. Watch for our first 2022 issue (February 4) to see what else we have in store for our readers. ▼

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR David Mariner DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Anita Broccolino

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

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

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

DECEMBER 17, 2021

3 Letters

6,000 Bulbs!

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ow, CAMP Rehoboth’s CROP team of six volunteers did it again, plantint 6,000 bulbs at the Delaware Botanic Gardens (maybe more)! DBG obtained approval from its world-renowned meadow garden designer, Piet Oudolf, to plant 84,000 bulbs, and CROP was there to help. The bulbs included many

varieties of tulips, crocuses, and more.

DBG is now well on the way to getting all 84,000 bulbs in the ground ahead of schedule. DBG loves to see CROP come and is very appreciative of volunteers’ efforts. Be sure to visit DBG in Dagsboro when it reopens next March to see the spectacular results! ▼

World AIDS Day Service

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n December 1, the community put together a service of hope and remembrance in honor of World AIDS Day at Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) Rehoboth. The theme for the 2021 observance was “Ending the Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice.”

Throughout the service, the names of those lost to AIDS appeared on the backdrop screen, including new names that reminded the community that this epidemic is far from over. Several local faith leaders and community members across Sussex County infused a sense of hope and faith into the service.

“Tell me—I’ll hear, show me—I’ll listen, and involve me—I’ll understand,” said Jordan Hines, HIV Community Planning Manager at the Delaware HIV Consortium, inviting attendees to involve others in the pursuit to end HIV/AIDS. Pastor Tesha Miller, of Macedonia AME Church, spoke to the power of making room for others through education about HIV/ AIDS. The Rev. Diane Fisher from MCC Rehoboth, Todd Hacker from Seaside Jewish Community, and Pastors Bo and Vicki Gordy-Stith from Epworth United Methodist Church all led dedications to remembering those lost to HIV/AIDS. Christopher Costas, who was diagnosed with HIV in the early 80s, shared his experience living with the virus alongside his radical sense of hope, reminding attendees that “all things are possible.” ▼ Letters 4

DECEMBER 17, 2021

HRC’s Municipal Equality Index 2021 Released

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he Human Rights Campaign has released its 2021 Municipal Equality Index (MEI). Per the MEI, Rehoboth Beach’s score remains below the national average of 64.

The MEI survey evaluates many ways a city or municipality shows support for the LGBTQ community. It measures five different aspects of a city’s inclusivity of its LGBTQ community. These include non-discrimination laws, municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and the city leadership’s public position on equality.

The 2021 index again gives Rehoboth a score of 58—the same score it achieved in 2020. Clearly, there still is much room for improvement, especially for a city that prides itself as an LGBTQ haven for many in the mid-Atlantic area.

In the March 2021 issue of Letters, Rehoboth Beach City Manager Sharon Lynn noted that the city is “110 percent committed to raising” the city’s score, and to surpassing Wilmington as Delaware’s highest-scoring city in coming years.

Wilmington earned a score of 88 in 2021’s survey. ▼

SPEAKOut Letters Goes to Iceland!

F

rank Echols and his husband, Bob, of Where 2 Next Travel, enjoyed perusing Letters on Rainbow Street in Reykjavik, Iceland recently. Frank reports, “This street captured our hearts. Iceland in general is a very accepting and diverse country. It even has a lesbian president. And its yearly Pride event draws over 100,000 people to a country of only 360,000 residents.”

He adds, “They have always painted this street for Pride, but in 2019 left it painted permanently. This sign of support for our community is embraced by all of the beautiful Icelandic people, who want unity for us all. Just standing on the street brought tears of joy, support, acceptance, love, and warmth to our eyes. (I chose the word “warmth” on purpose—it’s cold there! Or rather...COOL!)” ▼

Winterfly to Benefit CAMP Rehoboth

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fter starting a presence at Firefly Music Festival this year, CAMP Rehoboth has now become the beneficiary of Winterfly, a social and fundraising event for festival-goers, music lovers, and community members.

For Firefly fans, seeing each other once a year is simply not enough. That’s why in February, Winterfly will host dozens of festival-goers in Dewey Beach and The Starboard.

Michelle Manfredi, the organizer of the event, will raise funds for CAMP Rehoboth’s youth program; other local youth organizations have benefited in previous years. ▼

Dear Editor, By chance I picked up the November issue of Letters and leafing through it came upon A Perfect Beach House and began to read because something seemed vaguely familiar…a picture perhaps. I was stunned in the third paragraph as my eyes read: beach bungalow by the Chandler family. OMG, he’s talking about G Columbia Avenue—our beach house!!!

My three brothers and I grew up spending our summers there riding our bikes to Deauville Beach, fishing in Gerard Lake or walking to the boardwalk for a Saturday night dance.

We’d often stop in front of The Pink Pony, climb up onto the benches in front and peer into the smokey, neon bar. Maybe I knew even then I’d be sitting on one of “those” bar stools in my future.

Please thank Rich Barnett for swirling me back to a fabulously carefree and happy childhood and let him know I am pleased a couple from our tribe owns “The Cottage.” The enclosed pic is of my Grandfather standing on the front steps of G Columbia Ave. with my Father to his left and the man in the shorty shorts is Kitty Cathcart (written in my Mother’s script, 1938).

- Denis Chandler P.S. I sent a copy to each of my brothers and they were thrilled. One even called me with tears in his voice…remembering one golden sun splashed childhood summer after another. I can’t begin to tell you the joy Rich’s article brought us. Thanks again.

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

Ocean Blu Drag Bingo

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cean Blu closed its doors in early December but before doing so, found a way to benefit CAMP Rehoboth during the fall. Organized by the owners and hostesses with the most-est—Fancie P. Charmington and Rebecca Blaqueout—the restaurant hosted Drag Bingo on Thursdays, raising approximately $1,500 for CAMP Rehoboth. Thank you! ▼ DECEMBER 17, 2021

5 Letters

OUT in Delaware

BY DAVID MARINER, CAMP REHOBOTH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Working to Advance School Policy

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n January of this year, the Christina School District in northern Delaware became the first school district in Delaware to adopt a policy to support transgender and nonbinary students.

José Matthews hopes the Red Clay School District will be next.

Matthews believes that students should never have to worry about their sexual orientation or gender identity being a barrier to their education.

“Christina has shown such grace and leadership in this realm when they passed their policy. I think we can do the same, but it’s going to take a lot of encouragement for the school board to do the right thing,” states José.

This is not a new mission for the youngest member of the Red Clay School district. José, who was elected to the school board in 2018 at the age of 22, first brought a proposal to support trans and gender diverse students to the school board more than four years ago.

“This board has had four years to make a difference, and in reality, they’ve had a lot longer than that. I know we need to continue to raise the issue and we need to let folks know there is hope out there, and we need to fight for it.”

Despite the challenges, Matthews enjoys serving on the school board, balancing this volunteer position along with a full-time job in the healthcare industry.

“There is something really rewarding about being able to wake up every day and speak to parents, students, and teachers, and make it possible to educate our children. It’s really not a small feat to run the largest school district in the state.”

He also enjoys connecting with LGBTQ+ students. “When I went to school, I really didn’t have any teachers that identified with the LGBT community.

It’s been incredibly rewarding to have a number of students reach out to me and say how important it is for them to see someone sitting in a position of power as a gay man. I am humbled and honLetters 6

DECEMBER 17, 2021

ored to represent the community and be a part of the community that way.”

José has learned a lot from LGBTQ+ students. “I’ve learned that they are strong and resilient. But I’ve also

It’s been incredibly rewarding to have a number of students reach out to me and say how important it is for them to see someone sitting in a position of power as a gay man. learned the need to continue to fight for equitable policies that ensure that no student in our district or our state should have to worry about their sexuality or their gender identity being a burden or interfering with their educational experience.”

Looking at elected officials up and down the state, José emphasizes that there are voices and people missing in

this work. He would like to see more young people, more people of color, and more LGBTQ+ people running for school board positions.

He cautions, however, that it is a big commitment. “I would encourage those interested to talk to people in your community and get some sound advice.

Talk to your school board members, the people in your community, your school district leadership; have open conversations to make sure it’s the right decision for you, but more so, make sure it’s right for the community.”

As for advancing the Transgender and Gender Diverse Student Policy, co-sponsored by fellow board member Adriana Bohm, José comments, “I think folks need to pay attention. They need to pay attention to what’s happening at the local policies, because a lot of the time the local policies can have more of an impact on our lives than the larger policy debates that are happening.”

He continues, “Folks need to understand how important these school board roles are, and people need to engage if they are not. If you are not engaged, now is the time to do so, because our students and their futures are at stake.

We need to fight for social justice and equality. And I need people to join me in this fight.” ▼ To read the Red Clay School District Draft Policy 8005 for Transgender and Gender Diverse Students, or to learn more about this issue, visit camprehoboth.com/redclay.

David Mariner is Executive Director of CAMP Rehoboth.

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DECEMBER 17, 2021

7 Letters

President’s View

BY CHRIS BEAGLE

Some Final Words

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n what seems like the blink of an eye, 12 years have passed since I was elected to the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors. When then-President Murray Archibald called to inform me, I felt a sense of pride and honor I’ve never forgotten.

In January 2018, after serving as Vice President for four years, I’ll also never forget the reaction I had when the Executive Director, the late Steve Elkins, asked if I’d agree to serve as President, as he was taking a medical leave of absence. I would never have said no.

Sadly, Steve passed away just two months later. Over the next 18 months, the Board, staff, and organization as a whole had to begin to transition CAMP Rehoboth into its next chapter—and for the first time in three decades, doing so without one of its beloved co-founders.

From Steve’s passing, to working through a nine-month professionally guided strategic planning initiative, to embarking upon the search for and hiring of a new Executive Director, to dealing with a world-wide pandemic that redefined our lives for a year and a half, and now trying to get back to “normal,” the Board accomplished some very important work during some very difficult years.

At times it hasn’t been easy, and challenges have certainly surfaced, but our steadfast commitment to the mission of this organization has driven our collective efforts and we have persevered.

In working with Executive Director David Mariner, Development Director Anita Broccolino, and all of our talented and amazing staff, as 2021 draws to a close, I am pleased to report that our financials are strong, our membership is up, our programs and services are thriving, and we are engaging the broadest audience of supporters we’ve ever reached. Exciting plans for 2022 are underway and the future is bright!

The Board having adopted a Term Limits policy in 2020, a key responsibility of the President is now succession and

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DECEMBER 17, 2021

leadership transition for the Board. With my term concluding at the end of this year, this important priority has been a major focus of mine the last two years.

With that said, it is my great pleasure to announce the November elections of Wes Combs as President, Leslie Ledogar as Vice President, Bea Vuocolo as Treasurer, and Mike DeFlavia as Secretary.

CAMP Rehoboth is a unique and amazing organization supported by passionate, dedicated, and generous individuals who share a mutual affection for the organization and this community.

I’ve worked closely with Wes and have watched him emerge as an effective and strong leader. His personal commitment and professional work experience will benefit CAMP Rehoboth tremendously.

He and his husband, Greg Albright, have been long-time supporters, members, and generous donors. Since the Board established a Governance Committee in 2020, Wes has successfully chaired this critical effort and the organization is stronger for it. We are very fortunate to have Wes serve as the next president. On behalf of my fellow board members, congratulations Wes! Congrats also to Mike, and to first-time officers Leslie and Bea. This is an incredibly strong group of officers who will meet the challenges ahead and lead the organization into its next phase. Along with the full board, I’m confident we will work together and accomplish great things next year, and in the years to come.

I would be remiss by not addressing the change in the position of Treasurer.

After nearly 30 years of volunteer service in that role, Natalie Moss decided to step down and shift her focus to training and mentoring our new treasurer. On behalf of a very grateful organization and community, we will never be able to THANK YOU enough, Natalie, for all you have done for CAMP Rehoboth. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe your contributions and we are forever indebted to you for that loyalty and dedication. We love you!

It bears repeating, CAMP Rehoboth is a unique and amazing organization supported by passionate, dedicated, and generous individuals who share a mutual affection for the organization and this community. It is a beautiful thing.

On a personal note, it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as Board President of CAMP Rehoboth these past four years. Overall, I’m proud of the work we accomplished during not only a transitional but also a very demanding period in the organization’s history. Walking into the Convention Center in August 2006 to volunteer for Sundance for the first time, I would never have dreamed that one day I would be writing this column. I have been truly blessed.

A quick note of thanks to each of the board members I’ve had the privilege of working with these many years. Your support was, and remains, invaluable.

While I would have made certain decisions differently, hindsight is always 20/20, and I know I have led with my heart. Appropriate really, because thanks to the vision, dedication, and leadership of our co-founders, CAMP Rehoboth is and always will be the heart of the community.

Thank you and Happy Holidays! ▼

Chris Beagle is President of the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors and is a realtor at Berkshire-Hathaway-Gallo Realty in Rehoboth Beach. christopherbeagle1@gmail.com

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DECEMBER 17, 2021

9 Letters

Intentionally Inclusive

BY WESLEY COMBS

What Does Making an Impact Mean to You?

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don’t know about you, but 2020 was the most challenging year of my life.

There was so much uncertainty about what lay ahead in terms of my family’s health, my career trajectory, and overall fulfillment from life’s basic pleasures.

My most important lesson from the longest year ever has now become my personal mantra: intentionally focusing on what you can control enables you to make positive impact possible. Like many of you, I consumed as much news and information at the beginning of the pandemic as I could, to inform my daily routine (i.e., leave groceries outside for two hours, wipe down every packaged item with Lysol wipes, etc.).

Frankly, our ability to isolate in Rehoboth was my saving grace. While many Americans were required to stay home for months, we in Delaware were allowed to walk our dogs or exercise outdoors— which included Cape Henlopen State Park and Gordon’s Pond—thanks to a mandate from Governor Carney.

I remember feeling so blessed as I walked our dog, Bailey, every morning with friends Doug, John, and their pups, Zeus and Olive. The smell of the ocean and the freedom to be somewhere gave me so much joy and shifted my attention away from typical daily activities which were not possible at the time.

To help manage my mental health, I stopped watching the news; the visuals from overflowing emergency rooms triggered my anxiety. Instead, I kept myself up-to-date on the day’s news by listening to NPR and hearing light-hearted human-interest stories which lightened my mood.

More importantly, my passion for giving back gave me a purpose and a reason to remain optimistic about the future.

A perfect example is being a member of the board at CAMP Rehoboth, where we collectively focused our attention on what was necessary to get up-and-running as soon as possible.

When a crisis—such as a hurricane, earthquake, or pandemic—strikes, most Letters 10

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people go into survival mode. They take care of close family and friends, and in some cases neighbors in the community. There were countless stories about people who went out of their way to help others in need.

Remember the clanging of pots and pans each night when frontline workers were coming home from an exhausting day of battling the COVID enemy? How about the drive-by birthday celebrations for folks who were forced to shelter in place to keep safe?

I accomplished, and where I made an impact. I also looked at what I could have done differently to be the best friend, brother, husband, colleague, and board member possible. This included reflecting on what I had lost, such as the passing of important people in my life, and personal missteps that hurt someone.

With so much uncertainty in the world, I have recommitted to living my best life, doing what makes me happy, and determining how I can be more intentional about making impact. Here are the questions I am asking myself, accompanied by quotes that inspire me:

Being part of an effort that ensured we supported those who needed CAMP Rehoboth the most was extremely gratifying, and humbling.

Purpose: What difference do I want to make in the world around me?

• “The purpose of life is not to be happy, but to matter—to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.” – Leo Rosten

But there are those who may not have others they can lean on during times of trouble; these people are often the most impacted when support from nonprofit or government agencies is interrupted.

CAMP Rehoboth recognized this Day One, leading the staff and board to work tirelessly to transition as many in-person services as possible to a virtual format.

Being part of an effort that ensured we supported those who needed CAMP Rehoboth the most was extremely gratifying, and humbling. It filled my soul with gratitude to work with other likeminded people to make a difference. At the same time, witnessing the dedicated staff come together to make this happen and receiving thanks from community members reminded me that they are the true heroes.

As 2021 draws to a close, I took time to take stock of what transpired, what

Legacy: What do I want to be remembered for?

• “Legacy is not what’s left tomorrow when you’re gone. It’s what you give, create, impact and contribute today while you’re here that then happens to live on.” – Rasheed Ogunlaru Fulfillment: When do I feel gratified?

• “Could anything be better than this?

Waking up every day knowing that lots of people are smiling because you chose to impact lives, making the world a better place.” – Anyaele Sam Chiyson Some might feel this is a doom-andgloom approach. But to the contrary, I am excited about what is possible in 2022 because we are reminded daily that life is too short to think 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.

DECEMBER 17, 2021

11 Letters

CAMPNews Women’s FEST 2022

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Salute to Ann Evans and David Carder

anta Claus may be coming to town, but if you are too—to attend Women’s FEST, April 7-10—grab your hotel reservations NOW to get a 30 percent discount before the deal ends on December 31, 2021. Simply call the Sands Hotel (302-227-2511) and tell them you’re coming for Women’s FEST to get the discount.

Here’s how Women’s FEST is shaping up so far: Superstar Chely Wright will perform, and the Funny Girlz trio is back, too, with an all-new show. There will be dances, golf outings, bike rides, pickleball and cornhole tournaments, a singles party, beach yoga, and more. Also just added: performances by Regina Sayles, and our very own Fay Jacobs.

The ever-popular Olivia Cruise will be raffled off and, on Sunday, in addition to the always-popular Broadwalk on the Boardwalk, there will be something new that will be announced soon. Here’s a hint: tune your guitar or instrument of choice, practice, and get your debut performance ready.

Ready to volunteer and jump into the fun of making the magic happen? Or interested in a sponsorship? Call CAMP Rehoboth and ask for Anita, 302-227-5620 or email: development@camprehoboth.com. Tickets for FEST 2022 will go on sale early- to mid-February. ▼

O

n December 3, Ann Evans and David Carder wrapped up their countless hours of service with the CAMP Rehoboth Membership Team. For 12 years, Ann has kept the membership program alive at CAMP Rehoboth by processing renewals, sending out member mailings, and updating records. David ably assisted her throughout the process. The staff, board, and entire community owe a large debt of gratitude to them both.

Thank you, Ann and David! See the Volunteer Spotlight on page 64 for more a tribute to these wonderful volunteers. ▼

Prime Timers Chapter to Start in Rehoboth

C

AMP Rehoboth recently met with Frank Pirhalla to work with Prime Timers Worldwide to start a local chapter. This social group is for older gay or bisexual men who want to enrich their social lives through engaging in diverse activities such as volunteerism, politics, arts, entertainment, and support groups. (Younger men who wish to engage socially with mature men are also welcome.) More information about this organization is available at theprimetimersww.com; to learn more about the local chapter, e-mail info@camprehoboth.com. ▼

LESBIAN WIDOW NETWORK ►On January 5, 2022, at 4:00 p.m., the first networking meeting for all LGBTQ women who are

widows will be held at CAMP Rehoboth. The group will tentatively meet on the first Wednesday of every month thereafter. At the first meeting the group will brainstorm about social events and activities they would like to participate in together. Please join us. ▼ More CAMP News on page 90.

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Letters 12

DECEMBER 17, 2021

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13 Letters

CommunityNews Rehoboth Beach Adopts Waste and Recycling Service Changes

A

t its meeting November 19, the Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners adopted operational changes that will impact residential waste, recycling, and yard waste services.

Commissioners amended the definition of waste container such that all containers for trash, recyclables, and yard waste must be made of reusable, rigid plastic and have a metal bar that makes them compatible with the tipper mechanism on city refuse trucks. This change becomes effective July 1, 2022. Residents may purchase tippable waste containers from hardware stores, or 95-gallon, logoed containers are available from the City of Rehoboth Beach. In the future, the city will offer smaller waste containers as well.

Operational changes, effective January 1, include: → ending twice-a-week pickup at the end of October rather than the end of November; however, the city will provide refuse pickup on the Friday after Thanksgiving → scheduling yard waste pickup on every other Wednesday (rather than on the first, third, and fifth Wednesdays) to coincide with every-other-week recycling pickup → consolidating seasonal weekly loose leaf service so that pickup takes place on the south side of Rehoboth on Thursdays and the north side on Fridays. ▼

Surf Bagel Joins SoDel Family

T

his month, Surf Bagel officially joined the SoDel Concepts family.

The booming breakfast spot was acquired by SoDel, the restaurant group that also boasts Bluecoast, Fish On, Lupo Italian, Matt’s Fish Camp, Thompson Island, and more. ▼

Letters 14

DECEMBER 17, 2021

Volunteers Plant 1,000 Bald Cypress Trees in the Great Cypress Swamp

A

large-scale reforestation project is taking root in southern Sussex County near the Maryland border thanks to a cooperative effort between Delaware Wild Lands (DWL) and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays (Center).

The 80-acre Long Field project site sits within DWL’s 10,600acre Great Cypress Swamp. DWL completed the wetlands restoration with other project partners and then teamed up with the Center to plant trees throughout the 80-acre Long Field.

Days before Thanksgiving, a total of 44 volunteers joined DWL and Center staff to show their appreciation for Delaware’s natural resources by planting 1,000 bald cypress tree seedlings.

“The preservation and restoration of native forests, particularly near water, is one of the most cost-effective ways to remove nutrient pollution from surface and groundwater that enters the Inland Bays,” says Zach Garmoe, Center Science Technician.

“As the largest freshwater wetland and contiguous forest on the Delmarva Peninsula, DWL’s Great Cypress Swamp plays a critical role in protecting water quality, air quality, and wildlife habitat throughout the region. The important work completed by these volunteers will have an impact for now and years to come,” said Kate Hackett, DWL Executive Director. ▼

Community Unity Dinner

O

n Sunday, December 5, Rehoboth Beach Main Street hosted this year’s Community Unity Dinner at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.

CAMP Rehoboth provided dessert and carols courtesy of the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus. The event truly ushered in the holiday spirit and festivities, as families, friends, and neighbors all came together to celebrate being together. After the past two years, what a joy that was! ▼ (L-R) Citizen of the Year Nick Caggiano Sr. (founder of Nicola’s Pizza), Jen Burton, Chair of the Community Unity Dinner, Dan Slagle, Executive Director, Rehoboth Beach Main Street.

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15 Letters

WHO’s That?... That’s CAMP!

BY ANITA BROCCOLINO, CAMP REHOBOTH DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

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

L

ast year, in the December 2020 issue, we highlighted the 2020 Board members. This year, we wanted the community to learn about and get to know the five new 2021 CAMP Rehoboth Board members. Those folks jumped right in, though none of us really had any idea what 2021 would bring. This month we’ll feature three (Pat Catanzariti, Bea Vuocolo, and Leslie Ledogar); we’ll highlight the remaining two (David Garrett and Jason Darion MathisWhite) in our first 2022 issue.

Many CAMP Rehoboth members, and particularly our volunteers, may already be acquainted with Pat Catanzariti, who for several years has lead the CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Development Committee. As one might surmise from her name, she’s Italian— really Italian, as in both sides of the family.

Her grandfather owned an Italian restaurant, Villari’s Milmarian. Says Pat, “My wife and I migrated to Delaware from New Jersey when some friends started moving here. But most importantly because of the amazing quality of life Sussex County offered openly gay people. It affords us the ability to retire, continue to grow, and contribute within the safety and comfort of a supportive strong community.”

She adds, “Oh, and let’s not forget the low taxes!”

Pat spent her professional career in the clinical pharmacology industry, retiring in 2016 from Bristol-Myers Squibb as their Global Director of Data Management. Upon retirement, she jumped from science and tech into the arts arena. In 2018 she began an epoxy resin art business called Sea Screens; her fun designs can be seen at seascreens.com.

Pat was drawn to CAMP Rehoboth by its mission statement and feels grateful to have the opportunity to be part of an organization committed to making the community a better place. When asked about her work with CAMP Rehoboth, she replies that she’s excited to be the new chair of the Board Development Committee. In her own words, “Non-profits have to compete harder for every donation and it is imperative to utilize our resources as efficiently as possible. We are putting into place a new database system which will help streamline the work and Letters 16

DECEMBER 17, 2021

Pat Catanzariti

Leslie Ledogar

Bea Vuocolo

help oversee membership, grant applications, and events. I love to pitch in wherever needed. I especially liked my tenure chairing the Volunteer Development Committee. The blending of staff and volunteers is the framework that makes CAMP Rehoboth strong.”

Bea Vuocolo is another new Board member at CAMP Rehoboth. She happens to also hail originally from New Jersey, and she too is Italian; she grew up speaking Italian as her first language.

Prior to her current profession in the banking industry, she was a corporate theft investigator. “But ultimately,” she added, “you really can’t beat bankers’ hours!”

There is a very evident and common sentiment the new CAMP Rehoboth Board members all shared with me, having to do with the mission. All said that it resonates within them. For Bea, it sparks her passion, and she loves that being an all-inclusive and safe place is at the heart of all CAMP Rehoboth does.

Bea’s goal as a Board member is to make sure that the organization is fiscally strong and moves into the future with programs that serve a wide range of community members.

Asked who she would choose, if she could pick anyone to be her mentor, Bea immediately replied, “Definitely Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. He lived life with passion. Sure, he appeared fearless, but he had actual knowledge and respect for the animals. He believed in protecting open land and the habitats of endangered animals. Steve wasn’t preachy about his main mission; he entertained the public and then used his resources and connections to make a difference.” That sure sounds like a great person to emulate; it’s clear already that Bea is bringing that same approach to the community as a Board member for CAMP Rehoboth.

The final 2021 Board member in this month’s focus is no stranger to forestry consulting, politics, and insurance and administrative law, and has quite a combination of experiences and schooling. She started coming to Rehoboth because of its welcoming space and because it was both a “gay mecca

and a personal oasis.” Leslie Ledogar has lived in the north, south, east, and west of the US. Her dad’s position as in-house counsel at AT&T’s Bell Labs, where he helped patent the first transistor, led her family to move frequently.

After completing her master’s degree in North Carolina and then her law degree in Philadelphia, Leslie settled in Media, Pennsylvania. “My wife introduced me to Rehoboth Beach as a weekend and summer getaway destination 20 years ago. When she retired, we decided to move to the area full time. Growing up in a time when only a few of us were “out,” finding a safe space in which I could be me, even if only on the weekends back then, meant and still means the world to me,” she shared.

During her tenure as a CAMP Rehoboth Board member, Leslie hopes to bring inspiration and vision to the table to help

ensure that CAMP Rehoboth is, and remains, viable and sustainable well into the future. “I also will continue to help tighten up the governance of our organization,” she continued, “to ensure its continued long-term stability and growth.”

(I can tell you that Pat’s, Bea’s and Leslie’s words about sustainability and commitment to fundraising are music to this Development Director’s ears!)

The late, great Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is someone Leslie would love to have had as a mentor. “She was a pioneer in the law of civil and human rights in a way that was quiet, dignified, yet authoritative. (A) brilliant woman and person, and a true powerhouse.” When you meet Ledogar, you immediately notice a similar pioneering spirit, and a person who is dignified, intelligent, and shares many of those same attributes, all without pretense.

All five new Board members are forces for good for CAMP Rehoboth. I trust they will help everyone in our community feel heard, and treated respectfully and equitably. I also trust that the future of CAMP Rehoboth is in good governance hands, especially as they continue to broaden their roles with CAMP Rehoboth in 2022 and beyond.

Welcome, Board class of 2021! ▼ 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: 302-227-5620 or email: anita@ camprehoboth.com.

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17 Letters

The Writing Life

BY MATTY BROWN

Mission Accomplished

D

ixon Osburn is the co-founder of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), the organization that gave legal aid to hundreds of servicemembers facing discrimination under the policy “Don’t ask, don’t tell” (DADT) implemented in 1993. His book Mission Possible: The Story of Repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was recently released and on October 26, CAMP Rehoboth hosted a discussion moderated by servicemember Gary Espinas, who was investigated under DADT. That event is available to view on CAMP Rehoboth’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

After the event, Osburn shared further insights into writing the book with CAMP Rehoboth Operations Administrator Matty Brown.

What was the motivation for sharing this story now?

Dixon Osburn: This year is the 10th anniversary of the repeal of “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” I thought it was important to have a historic account of how we actually achieved repeal over the course of 17 years.

As the co-founder of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network that crafted this long-term legal strategy, alongside my co-founder Michelle Benecke, I wanted to tell a story that gave people a window into what was happening and what we did to overcome. People see the headlines, but don’t know the story behind those headlines. I think it’s really important, especially for us in the LGBT community, to learn our history.

The event CAMP Rehoboth hosted invited servicemembers to share their own stories. Did you expect the outpouring of responses that night? What do you make of the general response to the book?

DO: I loved the event. It was revelatory even for CAMP Rehoboth to realize we had such a strong LGBT veterans’ community right here!

Every person has an individual story, often accompanied with pain and sacrifice. It was great to have a space where Letters 18

DECEMBER 17, 2021

they could share their story; where we could celebrate together.

What has been terrific about the response has been everyone is taking a little something away from it. People say, when you write, you need to have a really focused audience. I had a lot of audiences. I was trying to reach veterans who

…I am a pragmatic optimist.

I have the view, “These are obstacles, but we can overcome obstacles.” endured this, LGBTQ youth to learn this history, military commanders to continue to stand up for us and lead, and the general public to be inspired about an important piece of American and military history.

Somehow the balancing act worked.

Take us through the process behind writing this book.

DO: It turns out that a pandemic is a great time to write a book. I finally had the time and the space to sit down and reflect. I tried a version of this book in 2011 once repeal happened, and I realized that I was still too close to it. I didn’t have the distance and perspective I needed.

I went and looked back on my notes and archives, and was able to refresh my memories. The archives contained statistics and stories that I had pushed into the recesses of my brain.

Then, I had to think about how to structure it in a way that would be inter-

esting and compelling, and I tried different formats before realizing the chronological timeline made the most sense.

Next, I looked at a lot of news articles at the time to see how they matched up with my own perspective. Finally, I did some interviews with the primary players. I spoke with Admiral Mullen, Senator Joseph Lieberman, Representative Patrick Murphy, and others who were intimately involved with the leadership of repeal.

The title Mission Possible denotes a sense of hope and optimism. How important are those advocating for change?

DO: If you are in the civil and human rights space, you have to be an optimist.

Otherwise, you are going to be ground down by the soul-gutting stories of the people you are trying to help. For me, I am a pragmatic optimist. I have the view, “These are obstacles, but we can overcome obstacles.”

Folks always ask me if I lost hope during that time, and I say I actually never did, because every day there was another person we helped. That help may have been we saved their career, we protected them from threats and harassment, or we at least ameliorated the discharge they were facing.

What I’m hoping, especially for our young activists today, and for whatever issue they are pursuing, that they take two things away. One is that you can achieve very difficult things—it is possible, hence the title, Mission Possible. Second, I want people to reflect that back in 2010, the political environment was pretty fractious.

It’s important to realize even in today’s hyper-partisan environment, it’s still possible to bring people together. ▼ Dixon Osburn’s book is available for purchase through his website, cdixonosburn.com.

Matty Brown is the Operations Administrator at CAMP Rehoboth and Editorial Assistant of Letters.

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DECEMBER 17, 2021

19 Letters

The REAL DIRT

BY ERIC W. WAHL

The Holly and the Ivy

I

love Christmas music—well, most of it anyway. There are a few that could be crossed off the list, and we probably agree on which ones. One tune I do like is “The Holly and the Ivy.” I’m not sure if I like it because it isn’t played as often on the radio, or because it reminds me of those recorder instruments that we all learned to play in elementary school. (That may be a negative, but I digress.)

I’m pretty sure the song is referencing the English holly and the English ivy, both of which are not native to our region. In fact, English ivy (Hedera helix) is downright invasive and if left unchecked can outcompete native plants. If left to grow up into the canopies of its hosts, it can shade out the tree, which eventually will submit to the ivy’s reign. Fun fact, when English ivy grows vertically, like on trees or fences, it will flower and fruit. The fruit is blackish-purple and highly toxic, so it basically is an overall evil plant.

Now that I’ve convinced myself to place another Christmas song on the naughty list, let’s talk about native hollies and vines that would make your landscapes more attractive to our native birds and pollinators.

We will keep going with the vine theme since I berated English ivy enough. Some native vines that do well in Delaware are trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) that blooms in summer with orange flowers and attracts hummingbirds. It prefers moist to well-drained soils and part-sun to part-shade conditions.

Not to be confused with trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) that blooms in spring with bright orangered, trumpet shaped flowers and also attracts hummingbirds. In addition, its berries are eaten by songbirds, gamebirds, and small mammals. Trumpet honeysuckle prefers moist soils and partsun to part-shade conditions.

One of my favorite (but underutilized) native vines is Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). It can Letters 20

DECEMBER 17, 2021

tolerate shady conditions and prefers moist to well-drained soils. Its berries are an important food source in fall and winter for numerous species including mockingbird, brown thrasher, eastern bluebird, robin, woodpeckers, and the great crested flycatcher. And let’s not

[The American holly’s] spiny leaves and red berries are synonymous with the holidays.

forget its autumn color, the reason I adore this plant. Virginia creeper turns a brilliant shade of red during the fall months. Its distinctive palm-shaped compound leaves with five leaflets appear like garnets wherever it’s found.

On to the hollies. Our native hollies include a couple evergreens and a deciduous holly.

The most well known in our area is probably the American holly (Ilex opaca).

It is the state tree of Delaware and can

be found throughout our woodlands as an understory tree. This handsome specimen can grow to great heights if given the right conditions. It prefers moist to poorly-drained soils and partsun to part-shade conditions. Its berries are used extensively by numerous birds including bluebirds, catbirds, and mockingbirds. Wild turkeys have also been known to eat them. Its spiny leaves and red berries are synonymous with the holidays.

Inkberry (Ilex glabra) is an evergreen holly with small leaves that have an identifying notch in the tip. It prefers moist to poorly-drained soils and can be found throughout the coastal plain.

Its berries are eaten by woodpeckers, cedar waxwings, thrushes, cardinals, and chickadees. Deer also have been known to eat them. Cultivars of the species are popular for foundation plantings.

The deciduous holly native to our region is winterberry (Ilex verticillata). It prefers moist to poorly-drained soils and part-sun to part-shade conditions. Its red berries appear in fall and last through the winter, providing food to numerous birds including woodpeckers, cedar waxwings, thrushes, finches, cardinals, and chickadees. Cultivars of winterberry are available that are more compact than the species and are perfect for smaller spaces. Try planting winterberry in front of evergreens so the red berries pop against the green background.

I hope I’ve sold you on trying our native hollies and ivies in your gardens.

So the next time you hear the song, you can start imagining a native variation on the theme.

Stay safe and let’s garden together!

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

Photo by Morgane le Breton on Unsplash.

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21 Letters

THE (VERY) GOOD SPORT

BY MICHAEL GILLES

A Man for All Seasons

I

n my cloudy memory, I carry the really, really heavy ball into the circle, intending to hurl it 70some feet from my doughy body. I put the shot under my neck, twist and turn my body, and throw it as far as I can. It lands on my foot.

Track is not my forte.

But it is for Dan Foran, one of the fastest men in Delaware track history. Whether at Mount Pleasant High School in Wilmington, Virginia Tech, or the Gay Games, Dan set record after record. Running in nearly all categories, he demolished competitor after competitor.

As I sit in the tiny studio where he lives parttime, he sits across from me, lean and lithe, his physique belying the fact that he no longer runs competitively. He still jogs, bikes, and swims, but he no longer strives to move faster than those around him.

In 2020, Dan was inducted into the Delaware Track & Field Hall of Fame. Because of the ­­— COLLEGE ­­— unforgiving nature of COVID, he Member of three Metro didn’t have a ceremony to fête Collegiate Athletic Conference him. That intentional oversight championship teams was more than made up for this Won the Delaware Open last month, when the Class of Cross-Country Championship in 2020 joined with the Class of Brandywine Creek 2021 to celebrate elite DelawarVirginia State outdoor eans that have advanced track 5000-meter champion and field and cross country.

One of the things that made ­­— AFTER COLLEGE ­­— this honor special was the Hall of Fame’s acceptance and recogWon 1992 Caesar Rodney Half nition that Dan is gay. In their Marathon in snow, sleet, and wind official biography of his running Finished fourth in the 1996 career, they included, “(he) won Philadelphia Marathon three gold medals at the Gay Games…winning the award for ­­— THE GAY GAMES ­­— Most Outstanding Performance Won three gold medals at the in Men’s Track & Field.” In a Gay Games in 1998—at 1500, 5000, sports world that isn’t always and 10,000 meters known for its tolerance for diversity, Dan found their acceptance Won award for “Most Outstanding Performance in Men’s Track & Field” of all of him very meaningful.

How does an athlete this excellent start out? In Dan’s case, it began at Mount Pleasant High School in Wilmington, Delaware. In his 10th-grade year as a Green Knight, he signed up for cross country. At the end of the school year, Dan started seriously training for the first time and the rest is history (see sidebar).

At Virginia Tech, he was awarded a scholarship his

SOME HIGHLIGHTS

Letters 22

DECEMBER 17, 2021

sophomore year, and kept running to All Conference in 1985, and team MVP in 1988.

Even after he left school, Dan kept running. He won the 1992 Caesar Rodney Half Marathon in snow, sleet, and wind. Only five winners had ever run it faster. He also finished fourth in the 1996

Whether it’s a gay man in the world of sports, a runner gliding in the snow and sleet, or a son putting a father to rest, Dan can do it all.

Philadelphia Marathon. When asked why he kept running competitively after school, he said, “I had been running 100-mile weeks for several years.” So, he kept running. Then one day, he decided that he had accomplished everything he had wanted since his younger days. He went out on top.

How did Dan end up in Rehoboth part-time? Like many others, his family had a place down here—in the summers, he would wait tables for a living. When he was younger and straight, he lived in Dewey.

He came out when he was 31, and found himself in Rehoboth. He also has another family tie here. Dan lost his father when the elder Foran jumped into the surf to rescue several people caught in a riptide.

He died; they didn’t. In gratitude, the survivors put a bench in Grove Park in his name. Dan told me to visit sometime. It’s quite a story.

After all these accomplishments, I found out that there’s something Dan can’t do. At his Hall of Fame ceremony, he was asked to give a speech. In his own words, “it’s not my forte!” He killed it, though.

If you know anything about Dan, you know that he works and works to get things right. Whether it’s a gay man in the world of sports, a runner gliding in the snow and sleet, or a son putting a father to rest, Dan can do it all. This lean and lithe man before me in his tiny living room is truly a man for all seasons.

In my dream, the shot is still on my foot. I wake up, only to find that the pain I feel is gout. I’m no Dan Foran. Then again, who is? ▼ Michael Gilles is a playwright, actor, and director from Milton, and a regular contributor to Letters from CAMP Rehoboth

Wrapping up your affairs is the best gift you can give the people you love this holiday season.

225 High Street Seaford, Delaware 19973 1519 Savannah Road Lewes, Delaware 19958 Tel. 302.628.4140 www.pwwlaw.com DECEMBER 17, 2021

23 Letters

health+wellness

By Marj Shannon

Next Year’s Resolutions

A

nd so, here we are—about to start another year, one during which we’re all hoping we continue to emerge from the depths of the COVID pandemic. May 2022—please!—be better than 2021, which itself was surely better than 2020. There continue to be signs that will indeed be the case—for all that the omicron variant has us, once again, on edge.

As with most incoming years, this one is being preceded by lots of resolution-related press. Some is encouraging; some, not so much. The stats on the percentage of people still actively working their resolutions come February 1 (20 percent) are discouraging. Even worse—just eight percent stick with their resolution(s) for a full year. I mean—why even start?!

Some coverage is interesting; for example, there was a study of what types of resolutions are more likely to succeed—or fail. It turns out that resolutions aimed at quitting something are less successful than ones aimed at starting something; apparently, it’s easier to establish a new habit than to banish an old one. And while one way to break an old habit is to establish a new one in its place, some common sense should prevail: resolving to simultaneously stop smoking and jog five miles a day may be aiming high.

But my favorite among the things I’ve read or heard over the past week or two was a snippet from a DJ on a Sirius XM jazz station. This woman— whose name I didn’t catch—was talking about her past, failed resolutions. They were the ones we usually make—lose weight, eat healthfully, exercise more.

But a few years ago, she came up with an approach that is working well for her: she chooses a word to focus on in the upcoming year, finding ways to live that word into her thoughts and actions. One year, she focused on kindness; another, on forgiveness.

She’s focused on love.

She talked about how she’d call her word to mind when confronted with a

Letters 24 DECEMBER 17, 2021

difficult situation or challenging person.

And how she’d try to pause for just a moment to allow space for that word to refocus her response. To hold that situation—or person—in the context of kindness. Or forgiveness. Or love.

… just eight percent [of people] stick with their resolution(s) for a full year.

She’d found that focusing on a single word each year and learning to embrace it—however momentarily— was enabling her to change in ways a more concrete resolution might not have done. Each year, she could feel tiny, incremental changes that reverberated throughout all aspects of her life.

I was intrigued. And started thinking about what word I might choose to focus on. I didn’t want to just start where the DJ had; there might well be words I needed to focus on more.

I thought about “resilience,” the past year or two’s go-to word for sure, as we all sought ways to slog on. But I’d read—or even written!—that one so many times in the past year (or two) that it felt hackneyed.

I talked to a friend about this word-of-the-year idea; she suggested “patience.” I didn’t probe too deeply to discover exactly why she’d so quickly

come up with that one for me. Patience would indeed be a good word—it’s not something I have in abundance, and many situations would benefit if I could develop more. But I’ve been trying to be patient for decades; I feel as though I have the habit of the attempt as wellestablished as it’ll ever be.

I thought about “acceptance.” That, too, could come in handy. There are any number of things it’d be best if I learned to take as they are and left off my efforts at improvement. But that sounded a little too much like “surrender” or “quitting” to me, for all that there are distinct differences among those words. I couldn’t see myself spending a year trying to be more “accepting” if “quitting” echoed softly in background each time I took my moment to focus. I knew the first thing I’d quit would be focusing on acceptance.

And then, as I walked my dog one morning, my word surfaced. It’s “listen.”

The benefits of listening, such as demonstrating your willingness to hear what someone has to say, learning new ideas, or considering new perspectives, are well established. But they may be hard to recall when we’re eager to refute an argument or suggest another view or even just chime in, in support of someone else’s words. Though we know that the moment we do, it’s all too apparent we’re no longer listening.

I know I’ve sometimes stopped listening—and started talking—way too soon.

So next year, I plan to take momentary pauses to listen. If I succeed, I might well be able to be more patient. More accepting. Kinder.

More forgiving. More loving. And maybe do my bit to make next year a happier one all ‘round. ▼ Marj Shannon is a writer and epidemiologist. She can be reached at marj@camprehoboth.com.

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

WALK-IN HIV TESTING

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

Free rapid HIV testing at CAMP Rehoboth. Get your results in 15 minutes. No appointment needed during this time. For more information about HIV testing at CAMP Rehoboth or our remote sites across Sussex County, e-mail amber@camprehoboth.com.

conversations important to our community. We celebrate who we are, promote respect and understanding, and we accept each other’s differences with the intention of building a more connected community.

Start your Tuesdays off with CAMP Rehoboth.

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

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. (Zoom)

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

MEN’S YOGA

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

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

MEN’S DISCUSSION GROUP

2nd/4th Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. (in-person)

The Men’s Discussion Group is a safe and nurturing space for GBTQ men to start

January 14, 6:30 p.m., MCC Rehoboth (in-person)

1st/3rd Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. (in-person)

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

December 18, 7:00 p.m. (in-person)

Tuesdays 8:00 a.m. (Zoom)

YOUTHUP MONTHLY SOCIAL

WOMEN IN CIRCLE

TRANSLIANCE HOLIDAY PARTY

MORNING MINDFULNESS

connecting, showing off, sharing resources, and supporting fiber-related crafts and projects in a queer- and trans-affirming space.

Transliance will hold a holiday party and dinner at CAMP Rehoboth. Transliance is dedicated to helping transgender people network, learn, grow, and come together socially in safe, transfriendly venues.

CAMP REHOBOTH BOOK CLUB December 27, 5:30 p.m. (Zoom)

Join us for the YouthUp Monthly Social on Friday, December 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at MCC Rehoboth, 19369 Plantation Road, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. This event is designed specifically for 10-19-year-old LGBTQ+ youth.

YOUTHUP BOOK CLUB January 19, 6:30 p.m. (Zoom) YouthUp LGBTQA+ youth-led/youth-selected book club meets January 19 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, e-mail julian@ camprehoboth.com.

COFFEE TALK

January 22, 10:00 a.m. (in-person)

The CAMP Rehoboth Book Club is a queerfacilitated discussion group. The December book selection is The Guncle by Thomas Rowley.

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

LESBIAN WIDOW SOCIAL NETWORK

January 31, 6:00 p.m., (in-person) Western Sussex Boys & Girls Club

January 5, 4:00 p.m. (in-person)

You’re invited to join us for a networking meeting for lesbian widows, and all LGBTQ women who are widows. At the first meeting the group will brainstorm about social events and activities they would like to participate in together.

FLAMING KNITTERS

SUSSEX COUNTY HIV/AIDS TOWN HALL

The Delaware HIV Planning Council, in partnership with the Girls & Boys Clubs of Delaware, will host a Sussex County HIV/AIDS Town Hall on January 31, at 6:00 p.m., at the Western Sussex Boys and Girls Clubs, 310 Virginia Ave, Seaford, Delaware. Pre-registration is available at www.dehivpc.com. ▼

January 10, 6:30 p.m. (in-person)

Flaming Knitters provides a thoughtful and engaging space for working, conversing, DECEMBER 17, 2021

25 Letters

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

BY DAVID GARRETT

Striking a Joyful Chord at All Saints’ Episcopal

T

he words “Joyful, joyful, we adore thee...” are on the lips of worshipers at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, located on Olive Avenue, Rehoboth Beach. These days, though, you may be more likely to hear “Joy to the world.” In either case, joy is the recurring theme.

There is no one better suited to lead the congregation in joyful music ministry than Jon Rania. He will become the Director of Music Ministry at All Saints’ Church in February 2022. If you know Jon, you know that his life is full of joy.

But it has not always been that way. For him to get to where he is today, it has been a long and winding road.

Jon describes himself as a “native son of Philadelphia.” Born into a large Italian Catholic family, and graduated from Immaculata University, he eventually found himself in the position of Director of Music for the Diocese of Camden (New Jersey). His many responsibilities there left him with a feeling of dissatisfaction. There were some pieces out of place, and he could not figure out what those pieces were, or how they needed to be rearranged.

The puzzle became much clearer when Jon claimed his sexual orientation. He chuckles as he labels himself a “late bloomer.” He admits, “Other people knew I was gay before I knew I was gay!” The Roman Catholic Church then was in the mindset that when one suspected another person was gay, they never spoke of it. Jon recalls that “people looked the other way.” This was especially true in church vocations.

Following eight years as Director of Music in the Camden Diocese, Jon reached the point of burnout. He looked for a similar position in a different venue, and relocated to Ocean City, Maryland.

However, for various reasons, it did not work out. Just as Jon came to the conclusion that he was going to give up music ministry altogether, he got a call to become Assistant Director at All Saints’ Church in Rehoboth.

This was an eye-opening experience.

Letters 26 DECEMBER 17, 2021

Not having any understanding of the Episcopal Church, Jon witnessed the genuine faith of and felt accepted by

This was Jon’s epiphany, being in a place within a faith community where he did not have to hide who he was, how he lived, and who he loved.

Father Max and others there. “I felt very much at home,” Jon shares. This move coincided with a tremendous advance of equality in the national Episcopal Church. It had just elected its first openly gay Bishop, Gene Robinson. The winds of change were blowing through this church body, and in a positive way.

This was Jon’s epiphany, being in a place within a faith community where he did not have to hide who he was, how he lived, and who he loved.

Not only is Jon Rania defined by being the incoming Director of Music at All Saints’ Church. He is also defined as a husband and father. Jon and his husband Rob have been married for

11 years, signifying an enduring and endearing relationship that spans 27 years total. It was Rob who introduced Jon to Rehoboth Beach over Memorial Day weekend, 1995. This former “Jersey Shore boy” quickly found there was room for all in Rehoboth.

Early in their time together, Rob made it clear to Jon that he wanted to have a family and raise kids. Obviously, this was a dramatic statement for a gay man to make in the mid-1990s. As Jon and Rob established permanent Delaware residency in the early 2000s, they looked into the state system for adoption. Their caseworkers were friendly, and they convinced Jon and Rob to become a test case for gay adoption in Sussex County. They went through the background checks, had endless interviews, and adoption was approved for them in 2005.

Almost two years later they received a phone call from an agency, asking them if they wanted to adopt a second child. Their response was an immediate yes, and the wheels were in motion.

These wheels, however, turned much slower than in their first case. Coming through Kent County, the judge was less favorable to gay adoption than the judge in Sussex County. Once the approval finally came through, their second child found a place to call home.

Now their home is filled with an abundance of joy.

Jon Rania has joyful plans as he takes the keyboard at All Saints’ Church.

He wants everyone to know where it is and who it is. “We’re here and we’re sincere,” Jon states. “We really want to be a partner in the community.... All people have a seat at the table.” Now that is something that gives US joy! ▼ 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.

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

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

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

DECEMBER 17, 2021

27 Letters

A NEW YEAR BECKONS

BY ED CASTELLI

A Resolution Worth Keeping

I

have a resolution I hope to keep long after January. It has to do with global warming. That thing that seems to have caught on as actually real, and really happening. Folks may differ on what they believe is causing it. But I finally get the sense there’s much less denial. It’s tangibly affecting each of us now. And we’re woke.

As I write this, it’s quite chilly out. But I have believed the climate is changing for a long time.

I’ve complained to anyone who will listen (mostly my husband) about lacking the Christmas spirit when the thermometer in December pushes 70.

Yet when scientists predicted drastic changes in my lifetime, even I was skeptical. Eventually I got on board. And then over time really became vested.

I also got rather irritated when deniers dug their heels in. And I certainly got discouraged when major players were lobbying against me. But now that it’s on the radar of more corporations and countries, I’m motivated to do my part more than ever.

I’m not alone. Global warming is now snowballing in the hearts of those around me. It reminds me of that point in the Titanic movie about half an hour after they hit the iceberg. Before that, folks reluctantly put on lifejackets. Some were getting on lifeboats.

Most were milling about. Yeah, she’s leaning, but she won’t really go down. But then it’s like a face slap. The music picks up in volume and tempo.

People are all in, clawing to survive.

It’s no longer fanatical to envision a bad future in our lifetime. I’ll take it a step further and say it’s not beyond comprehension that generations after us could experience a lawless, dystopian state.

Think not? Imagine just one of the many issues we face really taking hold. Like serious water supply problems and already depleted reservoirs running dry. The trickledown effect on our food chain could be devastating. I shudder to think what lengths a gun-toting people may go to, to feed their families.

Change is hard. And for a land of plenty, it can be especially hard on Americans. We (me included) love our abundant lifestyle. We travel when we want, drive what we want, and cheaply replace whatever’s broken. This is not us being indulgent, spoiled brats. It’s generations of parents wanting a better life for their children. It’s ingrained in the fabric of our lives. We’re free to consume and enjoy.

Change is hard. And for a land of plenty, it can be especially hard on Americans.

Letters 28 DECEMBER 17, 2021

But make no mistake, life as we know it will change. Even simple, cherished traditions that we take for granted may become things of the past. A time of bottomless resources gone by. All things are on the chopping block whether we like it or not.

Whether we agree or not.

My husband and I have been making small adjustments for years. We stopped buying cases of water. At first, I missed the convenience, and hated washing and refilling jugs. But we got used to it.

We switched to LED lighting, especially now that it comes in gay-friendly, warmer tones.

We bought a hybrid (we love the 500 miles per tankful by the way). We recycle, although I probably take it a bit too far...think the little plastic tab that keeps your bread bag closed. It can be addictive, and I can be neurotic. And you start to cringe throwing out even the tiniest plastic. But I know we need to really up our game and that’s my resolution.

However, a lot of what we need to change costs more money. Meanwhile we’re eyeing retirement and scrutinizing every purchase. So that can be the hardest adjustment of all. Buying more organics; greener cleaning and gardening products. Clothes and goods made in the USA. Creating our own farm-to-table by shopping locally as much as possible. Buying higher quality products with more staying power.

Think even bigger for more pain in the wallet.

Should we buy into one of those services that delivers household products with refillable packaging? Do our investments, regardless of performance, support companies with green initiatives and less dependence on fossil fuels?

I could go on and on, but I’ll miss this article’s deadline. It can be exciting once you embrace it.

And frankly not just good for the environment, but likely better for us in general.

Still, making personal changes feels like sticking a finger in a collapsing dam. But it’s a resolution worth keeping. The more we change as consumers, the more corporations and governments will follow. They’re upstream. We’re down. But ultimately, we’re in this together because the stream is disappearing. ▼ Ed and his husband Jerry split their time between homes near Harrisburg Pennsylvania and Bethany Beach. Ed builds websites to pay the bills but loves to cook, garden, hike, and dote on their dog Atticus.

Help us sustain the great work that CAMP Rehoboth does every day with a Year-end gift.

This year brought continued pandemicrelated stress, more hate-infused speech and increased violence. At the same time, we saw glimmers of hope for the future and through it all, CAMP Rehoboth remained a powerful and unifying voice in our community.

YOU and your gift enable it to be that needed beacon of hope, and to continue to work tirelessly to grow a safe, an equitable, and a welcoming community with room for all.

Your donation helps us sustain the essential work CAMP Rehoboth does every day.

☐ Yes, keep up the good work! Please accept this year-end tax deductible gift to CAMP Rehoboth! ☐ $35 ☐ $50 ☐ $100 ☐ $250 ☐ $500 ☐ $1,000

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Our heartfelt thanks go out to all who are able to contribute to our year-end campaign!

If you prefer to donate online, please visit www.camprehoboth.com and click on the DONATE NOW button.

If you are interested in learning more about our Planned Giving and Legacy Giving options, please contact Anita Broccolino at anita@camprehoboth.com

or call 302-227-5620 and ask to speak with Anita.

Did you know? There is a little known provision in the 2021 CARES Act that allows donors who itemize their taxes to deduct certain cash contributions to offset up too 100% of their AGI. Ordinarily, this income tax charitable deduction for cash gifts is limited to 60% of income. Please speak with your accountant for full detail.

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MAIL TO: CAMP Rehoboth/EOY, 37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

or make your gift online at: www.camprehoboth.com/events/year-end-2021

37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 302-2275620 | camprehoboth.com | EIN: 51-0331962

CAMP Rehoboth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.

EIN: 51-0331962

DECEMBER 17, 2021

29 Letters

It’s My Life

BY MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

The Ghost of Christmas Present

I

love everything about Christmas.

I love the music. I love finding and wrapping gifts that I know the recipients will like. I love addressing cards and putting them in the mail. I love making (and eating) cookies, and going to holiday parties, and watching the old stop-motion specials on television. I like terrible holiday sweaters and eggnog and decorating the tree. While others find Christmas a time of stress and anxiety, for me it’s probably the one time of the year I am most relaxed.

Not this year. At least not yet. December has only been around for a couple of days, so there’s time, but something definitely feels a little off. Normally by now I’m playing Christmas songs and watching Hallmark movies about young newspaper reporters who get sent to small towns to cover the imminent shutdown of the gingerbread factory and find themselves falling in love with the guy who runs the Christmas tree farm. So far, all I’ve done is put up the tree. Even that was a monumental effort. Scheduled to go up the first weekend in November, it stood in the living room for three weeks before I hung a single ornament, and I only did that because we had company coming for Thanksgiving and I was embarrassed to have them looking at a naked tree.

I have managed to get and wrap all of this year’s presents. And cards will go out next week. But still, something is missing, and I can’t quite figure out what it is. Yesterday temperatures dropped enough so that the yard was covered with a wintry rime of frost. When I took the dogs out, I stood in the dark, watching the lights twinkle on our neighbors’ houses, and felt like I was standing on the set of a holiday movie. But while the scenery was perfect, there was no script to go with it. No story.

When I was a kid, the holiday season began with the arrival of the Sears Wish Book, the annual catalog filled with hundreds of pages of items for every member of the family. When it arrived, I’d Letters 30 DECEMBER 17, 2021

sit in an armchair in the living room and pore over the pages, dogearing the corners when I found something I wanted. I almost never actually got anything from the catalog, but I loved looking at it.

If this year doesn’t feel quite as merry and bright, maybe it doesn’t need to be. Maybe it’s enough to just be here.

What I remember most, though, is how it smelled. The Sears Wish Book had a very distinctive scent, a combination of ink and paper that was unique to it. That, and not the scent of fresh pine or baking cookies, is what I most associated with the season. And standing in the yard yesterday, that’s what I found myself missing. Not the actual scent of the catalog, but the way it made me feel, like magic was all around and any wish could come true.

This is, of course, an unusual year.

The stress of the pandemic—financial, social, physical—continues. This is also the first Christmas season without my sis-

ter Nancy, who loved it as much as I do.

Even so, there’s a lot to be happy about: a much-loved partner, a wonderful home in a welcoming and endlessly entertaining community, dogs who are still healthy despite their advancing age, enough work to see me through the next year.

On paper this should be a joyous time.

And I’m not unhappy. I’m just not… jolly, I guess. And I think there are a lot of us feeling this way right now. For no reason in particular, we’re just a little blue.

Maybe a lot blue. Maybe some of us are even more down than that but are trying to pretend we’re okay because we don’t know what else to do.

Today, tired of fighting the feeling, I gave into it. I put on one of my favorite holiday albums, Over the Rhine’s Snow Angels. Steeped in melancholy, it perfectly captures the complicated feelings many of us have about the holidays. As it played, I sat and looked out the window at the grey, overcast sky. Inside, the lights of the tree glimmered warmly. Beside me, one of the dogs lay burrowed in a nest of fleece blankets, while the other chased her favorite ball around the room.

In the other room, Cubby talked happily with his friend over the phone while they played a game together online.

Sitting there, I thought back to those days spent on the couch, looking through the Wish Book and dreaming about the perfect Christmas. My list is different now than it was then, and almost everything on it has been crossed off. If this year doesn’t feel quite as merry and bright, maybe it doesn’t need to be.

Maybe it’s enough to just be here.

For anyone else feeling not-quitemerry this holiday season, you’re not alone. And it’s okay. As the song says, we’ll muddle through somehow. ▼ Michael Thomas Ford is a much-published Lambda Literary award-winning author. Visit Michael at michaelthomasford.com Photo by Mourad Saadi on Unsplash

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

You’ve Always Belonged Here . . .

May the holidays bring you peace joy and love

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

DECEMBER 17, 2021

31 Letters

Out & About

BY ERIC C. PETERSON

Happy Golden Globes of Yore

D

ecember is here, time for winter coats, shopping for gifts, trimming the tree, hanging the stockings, and switching to the holiday playlist. But for me, there’s one thing I love about the season more than any other: Oscar bait.

This is the time of year when film studios roll out the movies they hope will be big awards contenders, hoping voters will happen to see their film right before they cast their ballots. While there are exceptions (Silence of the Lambs was released in February of 1991 and swept the Oscars a full year later), most of the nominees for major categories at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and all the rest are released this time of year.

I have a love/hate relationship with awards shows. I hate it when an actor who has been overlooked too many times in the past wins for a comparatively undeserving performance, essentially robbing another performer of a deserved honor. I hate it when actors are nominated simply because they played a trans person or a person with a disability.

I hate it when actors with leading roles are nominated in supporting categories to increase their odds of winning. I hate it every time Glenn Close loses.

But as imperfect as these awards can be, I mostly love them. I love to watch, I love the upsets, I love the pageantry. But mostly I appreciate the fact that the film industry is a business, and the Oscars, Golden Globes, etc. help prestige dramas and art films make money, which assures that movies like that will continue to be made.

Like many gay men who love movies, I have a particular fondness for the Best Actress races. I do love a diva— and sadly, movies which center on the lives of women are rarely contenders for Best Picture (only four Best Picture Oscars have been given to films with female leads so far this century). So I was excited to learn that two films with female leads that are generating Oscar buzz for their stars were being released Letters 32 DECEMBER 17, 2021

before December even hit.

The first of these, House of Gucci, has since been savaged by awful (but truly hilarious) reviews, so probably won’t take home many trophies come spring. But the marketing for the film couldn’t help but highlight all the Oscar winners and nominees in its cast, clearly making a bid for Oscar consideration.

It feels as though everyone involved thought they were making The Godfather but ended up a lot closer to 2003’s I Love You to Death, which at least wanted to be funny.

In it, Lady Gaga (an Oscar winner for Best Song in 2019) played Patrizia Regianni, who married into the Gucci family in 1972, and hired an assassin to kill her husband in 1995. It’s big, splashy, and campy. The Italian accents range from subtle to Chef Boyardee, and the characters are either awful people or horrendously awful people. It feels as though everyone involved thought they were making The Godfather but ended up a lot closer to 2003’s I Love You to Death, which at least wanted to be funny.

It’s unlikely that Lady Gaga will find herself on the list of Oscar nominees for Best Actress in 2022 (although you really should listen to the real Patrizia Reggiani speak before believing any bad press about her accent; she sounds just like her). Someone with a much better shot at a nomination is Kristen Stewart for her

turn as Princess Diana in Spencer.

Like Gaga, Stewart is playing a real person with an accent not her own (the Oscars love both these things). But Princess Di is a far more beloved, far more famous personality, so the bar was much higher for her—how to expertly play the vocal patterns and mannerisms while still delivering a credible performance, how to recognizably play the icon we all know while simultaneously making her a human being. There were many more ways for Kristen Stewart to fail, but she succeeds miraculously.

Mostly, she benefits from being in a much better movie. Watching these two films back-to-back essentially proves my long-held theory that if you really want to explore the inner life of a character, a film about a single weekend will be much more powerful than one that tries to cram 25 years into a feature running time. Spencer is essentially about the weekend when Diana supposedly decided she would divorce her husband, a relatively small act, but anyone who knows the larger story, beginning with the wedding watched around the world and ending with her tragic death, knows how important this choice was.

If you’re looking to tick off some Oscar boxes before the nominations are even announced, I have to recommend Spencer over House of Gucci. However, if you’re eager to see Lady Gaga keep up with Al Pacino in the scenery-chewing department, then you’ll probably enjoy the latter film, too.

Eric Peterson hosts a podcast about watching old movies with modern eyes. Check out rewindpod.com for more information. His debut novel, Loyalty, Love & Vermouth, was released in November.

DECEMBER 17, 2021

33 Letters

Words Matter

BY CLARENCE FLUKER

It’s About Time

R

ecently I was invited to a housewarming.

The host assured that it would be a small gathering, that all guests would be vaccinated, that he’d take temperature checks at the door, and have soap, water, and hand sanitizer in proportion to the huge amount of food he was planning to serve. It was a thoughtful invitation. An occasion worthy of celebration. A gathering of good friends. Yet, I declined.

I sent my regrets along with a nice note and gift card. I knew that if I had accepted the invitation and gone that I was likely to have a good time.

However, I also knew that if I stayed home, relaxed, and spent time with myself that I’d have an even greater time, so I did. I did it for me because I felt like that was my highest priority. After months of getting readjusted to ‘being back outside,’ I needed some rejuvenation, and I do that best alone. Going to a housewarming would take more energy than I’d get back in return.

During my tenure working for a senior level leader one of my favorite things was participating in the bi-weekly scheduling meeting. His chief of staff, communications director, executive assistant, special assistant, and I would sit at a table with snacks and our laptops for about an hour or more weighing in on what meetings, events, and activities he should attend. Our leader had a very full plate, and we knew his time was both limited and valuable.

Beyond the basic logistics of when or where a request for his time came from, there were more important questions. How would this use of his time advance his priorities? Does the nature or topic of this meeting rise to his level, or should it be handled by a deputy or another subject matter expert? Could this request be combined with another one, so he doesn’t have to cover the same ground twice? If this request requires him to travel, what other activities or meetings can he do in that same city that would be a benefit? If he doesn’t use a small amount of time on this now, will it require the use of a lot of his time later?

After our meetings we’d present a full proposed calendar to him for the next several weeks. He’d usually just accept it as it was because he trusted

Sometimes you have to say no to other people in order to say yes to yourself.

Letters 34 DECEMBER 17, 2021

that we’d asked all the right questions and knew what was most important to him—and that we knew him. Those scheduling meetings were just as valuable to our boss as they were to me. He got a schedule that made sense to him. It started me to thinking more about how I intentionally use my time in my personal and professional life.

In addition to the questions I mentioned earlier that were all work related, we also asked ourselves questions about his personal life. Will his wife mind him being away more than three days? Will a late meeting interfere with his family dinner night?

Are we allowing enough time for him to eat lunch, take breaks, or go for a walk during the day? Is his schedule on overload? Does he have time to just sit and think? He was a senior leader, but he was also a human being, a husband and dad. We needed to be protective of his time because of all those roles.

In the same token, I needed to begin being more vigilant of my time, too.

Many invitations for our time will receive a yes, but sometimes they’ll have to receive a no.

Sometimes you have to say no to other people in order to say yes to yourself. No to invitations for your time that don’t align with where you are and where you want to be. No to invitations for your time that leave you unfulfilled. Yes, to spending quiet time reading a book, deep listening to music that soothes or moves you, or snuggled up with someone that brings you comfort and joy. Yes, to time for a workout, jog, or prayer and meditation time. Yes, to whatever you believe is most important to advancing your life in a healthy and whole way. As we roll toward the end of a calendar year, it is a terrific time for all of us to reflect on our time and how we’ll choose to spend it. ▼ Clarence J. Fluker is a public affairs and social impact strategist. Since 2008, he’s also been a contributing writer for Swerv, a lifestyle periodical celebrating African American LGBTQ+ culture and community. Follow him on Twitter: @CJFluker or Instagram: @Mr_CJFluker

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DECEMBER 17, 2021

35 Letters

Dining Out

BY FAY JACOBS

Welcome to Freddie’s Over the Top and Wonderful

L

FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR AND RESTAURANT 3 S. 1st Street Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 302-227-2234 www.freddiesbeachbar.com Opens Monday-Friday at 4:00 p.m.

Saturdays/Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

Letters 36 DECEMBER 17, 2021

ast month, when an article in the Washington Blade announced that Rehoboth is gayer than ever and attributed the growth to the new Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant in downtown Rehoboth, I had to agree.

That’s because its arrival on 1st Street, in the space vacated by The Pond, comes atop our already thriving gay-owned, but diversity-welcoming restaurant scene. I won’t name drop for fear of leaving an establishment out, but the rainbow is exploding on Baltimore, Rehoboth and Wilmington Avenues, 1st Street, and everywhere else downtown.

Welcome, Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, a sister watering hole to the famous Freddie’s in Arlington, Virginia. It’s a great addition to town for its campiness, cocktails, and cuisine.

Recently, I went in to talk with owner Freddie Lutz who, when he’s there, loves to greet all of his guests at the door. After the pink carpet, Freddie’s pink-jeweled tuxedo jacket is your second clue that fun is at hand. When I went to the bar for this article, I’d already dined there twice and hung out at the bar on a third visit. So I have lots to tell.

First, it’s clear that Freddie loves glitz and glamor. From the flaming pink carpet and rainbow flags outside, to the assortment of authentic and collectible Barbie dolls lining the walls at the ceiling, this place is fun. The pink and purple wooden boards and railing spindles, among other art on the walls, is so different and so well-done that walking into Freddie’s is like immersing yourself in a queer fantasy world. But make no mistake, Freddie’s is fervently straight-friendly as well as a proudly proclaimed gay bar.

The waitstaff, wearing Freddie’s t-shirts echoing the Human Rights Campaign’s equality logo, are friendly and fun. And the bar is generally packed, dispensing wellmixed cocktails to the crowd at happy hour and long into the night.

There are high tops, regular tables, and booths for dining, drinking, and taking

in the flamboyant surroundings.

In the course of our visits, we’ve sampled the remarkably delicious (and well-priced) lamb chops—with a hint of mint; the spicy but not too spicy New Orleans-inspired Shrimp and Grits, with abundant chorizo; and the appetizer crab balls which encourage me to come back for the crab cake entrée. The crab recipe may be Virginia or Rehoboth born, but I taste classic Baltimore.

We’ve also sampled the very popular charcuterie board, with an ample selection of meats and cheeses and other goodies, the burger on pretzel bread (yum), and the lovely pear salad. I especially enjoyed the New England clam chowder. A winter night is perfect for combining a Cosmo with hot clam chowder.

Other appetizers include mac ‘n cheese bites and personal flatbread pizzas, with the meatloaf dinner calling me for my next visit, too. And speaking of dinner, their choice of sides includes collard greens (order the vinegar with them), fries, delectable creamed spinach, and more.

And if dessert is in the cards, the carrot cake is delicious, but let’s face it, the chocolate martini rang my bell. And need I say that on our most recent visit the bartender handled requests for a Cosmopolitan, a Rob Roy and a Negroni very, very well, indeed.

Between cocktails or dinner courses, count the number of pink flamingos in the place. It could be a sport.

While Freddie opened the original Virginia Freddie’s over 20 years ago, he’s long wanted to open a Freddie’s Beach Bar at the actual beach. And as his original bar and restaurant evolved into a huge success, he also spent a lot of time here in Rehoboth over the decades. Rumor has it that a lot of his restaurant decorating is based on his once-upon-a-time small backyard patio at his mobile home in Sea Air Village.

Go enjoy the food and drink, and let me know how many flamingos you count. ▼

DECEMBER 17, 2021

37 Letters

Out & Proud

BY STEFANI DEOUL

Roe v. Wade Redux

A

s this is my last column of 2021, I wanted to write something lighthearted, perhaps even playful. So many topics raced through my mind, delighting me with thoughts of “remember when Rehoboth Beach was so quiet in winter, you could roll a bowling ball down Rehoboth Avenue and not hit a single car”? Or when “if it wasn’t for our fleet of sanitation trucks, the Christmas Parade might have taken exactly five minutes from start to finish”?

Memories. Great memories. Of a world that seemed not “innocent,” but rather brimming with promise—the promise of equality, which today, as I type, seems to be slip-sliding away.

Equality. The right to be equal. In those days, some 50 years ago now, it filled the air.

The so-called “wholesome fifties” had given way to the “turn on, tune in, drop out” sixties, and by the dawn of the seventies we were here (partying at the Boathouse or gathering over at the newly dubbed Poodle Beach) and realizing that dropping out hadn’t fixed the fifties and it would take more than simply dropping back in to fix the seventies. It would take work.

In the sixties, women were finally granted the right to open a bank account without their husband’s or father’s permission. But they were still considered too “risky” for a credit card.

It would be 1974, when the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) passed, that it became illegal for credit card companies or any other financial institution or lender to discriminate against applicants based on gender, religion, race, or national origin.

The ECOA also made it possible for women to obtain a mortgage on their own without facing legally-permitted discrimination.

And that’s not an abstract history lesson in our part of the world. Two of Rehoboth’s legends, writer Anyda Marchant and her longtime partner, Letters 38 DECEMBER 17, 2021

Muriel Crawford, were turned down more than once in their quest, as “two single women,” to obtain a mortgage for their house on Laurel Street.

In the seventies, the rape laws in every state in our union included an exception if the rapist and the victim were husband and wife. Which dovetails handily with women being fired for the crime of being pregnant—acceptable until 1978 and the passage of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.

Before the seventies were over, we would… win a huge, still actively giving gift, the landmark Title IX ruling, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or other education program that receives federal money.

And those “dropping back in” activist women weren’t done yet! There was lobbying, letter writing, and lots of marching to be done, Before the seventies were over, we would also have the right to sue for sexual harassment in the workplace, see the end of work ads specifying for “this sex only,” and we would win a huge, still actively giving gift, the landmark Title IX ruling, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or other education program that receives federal money.

And finally, the seventies brought us Roe v Wade. And like all the other rulings, what was on the table was our right to make our own choices; to make our health care decisions. And I say

“our,” because each act furthers equality, while each act denied, strips it away.

Every inch of the progress made above benefits every minority community in America.

Women do not need their fathers to give their permission to open a bank account, or a husband to allow them to mortgage a home, just as they do not need the government to manage their body.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman’s life, to her well-being and dignity.…When government controls that decision for her, she is being treated as less than a fully adult human responsible for her own choices.”

Once upon a time in Rehoboth, two “scandalous women” managed to secure a mortgage for a Laurel Street house, and then…omg…they invited neighborhood women into that very house for the first meeting of the National Organization of Women—aka NOW—in the state of Delaware.

It is reported that men climbed up in the trees and ducked behind the bushes to see which women would have the audacity to show up.

I suggest that as we usher in 2022, we become audacious—again.

Merry, Happy, Healthy, Safe, and Peaceful—until next year. ▼ 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

Proud to be a full time Realtor® serving Sussex County Delaware and the Delaware Seashore since 1989.

Allen Jarmon, Associate Broker

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DECEMBER 17, 2021

39 Letters

Acoustic Christmas

BY BETH SHOCKLEY

The Best Christmas Present Ever

L

ike many children, Christmas was my favorite day of the year, aside from birthdays. Because that’s when I got stuff— lots of it. Toys, games and, of course, the obligatory clothes. I didn’t realize how fortunate I was to receive such Christmas bounty—it just came from Santa and later, I realized, from my mother acting as Santa.

My mother was in charge of Christmas at our house, from the buying of presents to the food.

She did it all. My brothers and I got almost all the stuff we asked for, within reason. We weren’t rich by any means, but certainly comfortably middle class. We knew not to ask for things out of reach, like puppies, televisions, cars, or our own phones in our rooms—we did not exchange extravagant gifts in our house.

Except for one year: 1975, when I was 15.

My relationship with my dad was… complicated. I didn’t see him very often because he wasn’t around very much. The man worked six days a week. He was the manager of a music store by day and a sought-after trumpet player by night and on weekends. He busted his ass providing for us, as did my mother at her state job. They were children during the Great Depression and their work ethic was ironclad.

I inherited the music gene from my dad and at 14 started playing guitar. I learned by playing along with the radio and the albums I bought.

At that time, singer/songwriters were popular, so I played along with Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, and many others. I practiced hours every day. Hearing Janis Ian for the first time was revelatory. But I hit a wall with my playing—and I knew that to take the next leap forward I needed lessons.

Cue my dad—music lessons of all types, including guitar, were offered at his store. I had taken private piano lessons from the age of six, but I stopped in my early teens because it was just…boring. I played the violin in the school orchestra for a few years. But the guitar was freeing—I could play just about anything I heard in my head. I had started writing my own songs and began to sing as well.

So I started lessons with a cool guy at my dad’s store. He taught me different fingerpicking styles and how to play barre chords. The guitar I had was a hand-me-down from my older brother—a nylon string classical. I needed a steelstring acoustic guitar in order to play what I heard Letters 40 DECEMBER 17, 2021

One fall afternoon, I found The One. She was a Martin 0-18.

in my head and on my stereo.

Of course, there were a bazillion acoustic guitars at my dad’s store. So, naturally, I played each of them one by one before each weekly lesson. One fall afternoon, I found The One. She was a Martin 0-18. Martin guitars were still mostly hand-made at the time. Translation—way out of my price range. Oh, but the sound! The rich lows, the bright highs—and she fit my body perfectly.

She was beautiful, too. Mahogany body, Sitka spruce top, rosewood fretboard, shining silver Grover tuning pegs. My dream guitar. Plus, my musical shero (and not-so-secret crush), Janis Ian, played an 0-18.

I played this guitar before every weekly lesson in the store and fell more in love each time. I even visited her sometimes on weekends.

But one December day I showed up for my lesson and she was gone. I looked everywhere but she was nowhere to be found. It never occurred to me that, well, she was for sale…. My dad came over and told me in a gentle voice that someone had bought her. Devastated and jealous, I tried to put on a good face because it was, after all, my dad’s business to sell musical instruments. It was Christmastime, the store’s biggest time of year.

I went on with my lessons and tried to forget about her. I kept playing the classical and continued practicing every day.

Soon enough it was Christmas day. At 15, I no longer woke my parents up at the crack of dawn to open presents. I hadn’t asked for much that year—albums, books, a new winter coat.

Yawn. But in the back, way under the tree, was a large, wrapped present with a big bow. Dad said it had my name on it. Reaching for it—it was heavy. I pulled some of the wrapping paper off, and saw a silver-colored “Mar” on a blue heavy plastic—was that a guitar case? I whipped the present up and around and ripped off the rest of the paper. OMG—it was her! I was overcome and started to cry. It really was my 0-18. I looked over my shoulder and yes, my dad was beaming.

My mother snapped a photo. In it, I’m in my pink flannel pajamas, with a red face, swollen eyes, and a huge grin, cradling my beautiful guitar. My best Christmas present. Ever. ▼ Beth Shockley is a public affairs specialist and a former editor of Letters.

TEAM BEEBE,

THANK

YOU BECAUSE OF YOU, THE BEST CARE IS HERE.

We want to celebrate you and all your accomplishments especially the things we have done during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The future of Beebe Healthcare is bright and that’s thanks to you and all your hard work.

I hope that when you see us saying thank you throughout Sussex County – the community we care for – you fully know how much your work is appreciated.

“

“

You are the reason why this community benefits from what Beebe Healthcare delivers. Your caring of the community is the compassionate care that we provide to the people who live, work, and visit Sussex County.

On behalf of everyone here at Beebe, the leadership team, the executive staff, and the board, thank you for everything you do to care for Sussex County.

David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE President and CEO, Beebe Healthcare

beebehealthcare.org MEDICAL GROUP Letters 7.5 x 10

DECEMBER 17, 2021

41 Letters

Visiting View Guest Column

BY ROBERT DOMINIC

Keep Christmas with You

D

ecember. For many the holiday season is their favorite time of year. Office parties.

Ugly sweater parties. Hanukkah parties.

Family parties. Parties, parties, and more parties. Others view the holidays a little differently—forced merriment they say.

Personally, I really like the holidays; everyone seems a little nicer, a little friendlier. Everyone is optimistic about the new year ahead, thinking things will improve, and for a brief time, actually believing they will.

What I really love about the holidays are the many traditions I have with family and friends.

Traditions that started years ago and traditions that started more recently. Some of them still exist today, and some we have grown out of.

My family is very large, and very Italian. I am lucky to have more cousins than I can count, many of them not just cousins but true friends. In our 20s, because we didn’t get to see each other enough around the holidays, we held a separate “Cousins Christmas Party.” These parties, at our cousin Michael’s apartment in Brooklyn, usually numbered around 25. Just cousins plus a boyfriend/girlfriend/ fiancé or two here and there.

The night revolved around the secret Santa gift exchange. In true competitive fashion, it was a White Elephant gift exchange: when it was your turn to choose, you could either pick from the unwrapped pile of gifts or steal an already opened gift. Stealing a $20 gift from a family member is just as much fun as it sounds.

When I started teaching, my students’ families were extremely generous around the holidays. I would receive dozens and dozens of gifts as these thoughtful families tried to figure out what to get for a youngish, single, male teacher. As a result of their generosity, I was able to hold my own “regifting” holiday party. I would invite friends over and place all the loot on the table for redistribution, first-come, first-serve.

Past NYC traditions with certain friends have included annual treks to the Rockefeller Center tree and yearly trips to Broadway matinees during the week of Christmas break. There was also the annual Toys for Tots party each year on a Sunday early in December. Always a fun evening, and an excuse

The theme of redemption, that it is never too late to be the person you want to be, has always resonated with me.

Letters 42 DECEMBER 17, 2021

to get dressed up, it’s on many a gay’s yearly “to attend” list.

Definitely one of my all-time favorite traditions involves my friend Frank. Both of us love the Charles Dicken classic novel, A Christmas Carol. So each year we would search out a new production of the story. We have seen Danny Pinaturo from Who’s the Boss play Tiny Tim in a queer-themed production at the Stonewall Theater. His Tim was HIV-positive and without health insurance. I both loved it and cried my gay eyes out.

In the years we couldn’t find a theater production, we would watch one of the many film versions. My favorites are the 1984 George C. Scott version, The Muppet Christmas Carol with Michael Caine, and—wait for it—the Lifetime tearjerker Ebbie, with Susan Lucci as Elizabeth “Ebbie” Scrooge.

The theme of redemption, that it is never too late to be the person you want to be, has always resonated with me. It also can resonate quite deeply with a young queer person not yet out of the closet, waiting for their real life to begin.

What is it about traditions that I and so many others love and crave? Maybe they provide a sense of belonging and a sense of comradery that might be missing during the other 11 months? Maybe being a part of something special makes us—in turn—feel special?

What I love most about traditions and honoring them year after year is the feeling each of them provides. Christmas is not just one day, not just one holiday. Christmas is a feeling, an emotion. A feeling of peace, kindness, and goodwill towards our fellow humans. Those feelings we have on Christmas can stay with us long after December 25th.

As Big Bird and his fellow Muppets sing on the Sesame Street Christmas Eve special: “Keep Christmas with you, all through the year. When Christmas is over, save some Christmas cheer.

Those precious moments, hold them very dear. And keep Christmas with you, all through the year!” ▼ Robert Dominic splits his time between Brooklyn and Rehoboth Beach. He writes for publications including Instinct Magazine and his blog, The Gays of Our Lives.

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43 Letters

Scarlett O’Hara Scarlett O’Hara is the fur child of Dr. David Scuccimarra.

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Letters 44 DECEMBER 17, 2021

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45 Letters

Letters 46 DECEMBER 17, 2021

DECEMBER 17, 2021

47 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 48 DECEMBER 17, 2021

BUILDING/CLEANING/REMODELING/LANDSCAPING

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

CHURCHES/SYNAGOGUES

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

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

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

Gay/Lesbian Alcoholics Anonymous—add’l schedules..................302-856-6452 Saturdays 6 pm: Epworth UMC, 19285 Holland Glade Rd (step meeting) Saturdays 7:30 pm: All Saints’ Church, 18 Olive Ave (step meeting) Tuesdays noon: St. Peter’s Church, 211 Mulberry St, Lewes (step meeting) Thursdays noon: CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Ave (open discussion) Sundays 9 am: CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Ave (open discussion) Tuesdays 8 pm: CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Ave (Young Persons) Gay Men’s Discussion Group—Program of CAMP Rehoboth.........302-227-5620 Lesbian Support Group—Program of CAMP Rehoboth..................302-227-5620 Lewes Senior Activity Center (age 50+).........................................302-645-9293 LGBTQ Student Union—University of DE, Newark.........................302-831-8066 Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth................................................302-645-7449 PFLAG-Rehoboth—3rd Tuesdays, Public Library, 111 Adams Ave, Lewes SLAA and SAA—Thursdays, 7:30 pm, All Saints’ Church 18 Olive Ave ............................................................................302-745-7929 Social Security Administration—Lewes office................................800-772-1213 TransLiance of DE—Rehoboth—4th Tuesdays at 7 pm, MCC of Rehoboth; contact: TransLiance@gmail.com

COUNSELING/THERAPY/LIFE COACH

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

ELECTRICIANS

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

EVENT PLANNING/CATERING

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Community Pride Financial............................................................302-227-2939 County Bank, 19927 Shuttle Rd.......................................... 302-226-9800 Jenn Harpel, Morgan Stanley.........................................................302-644-6620

FLORISTS

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

FUNERAL SERVICES

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

HAIR SALONS/TATTOO & PIERCING

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

HEALTH-RELATED

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

INSURANCE

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

LEGAL/ACCOUNTING/TRUST SERVICES

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

LOCKSMITHS

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

MASSAGE THERAPY/FITNESS

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

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Allure Outdoor Lighting, allureoutdoorlighting.com......................302-226-2532

PET RETAIL

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

PET SERVICES

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

REAL ESTATE

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

RETIREMENT LIVING/SENIOR CARE FACILITIES

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

TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

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

POPULAR LGBTQ BEACHES

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

DECEMBER 17, 2021

49 Letters

Historical Headliners

BY ANN APTAKER

ANCIENT MERRYMAKING

Elagabalus & Saturnalia

H

appy Holidays! Let’s party! Let’s unwrap gifts. Let’s break out the wine, whiskey and eggnog, and drink a toast to…the ancient Romans.

Whoa, there! The ancient Romans?

Those pagan conquerors of the known world? What do they have to do with our holiday season?

Well, quite a bit. It turns out that around the time of the winter solstice, in the month corresponding to our December and the date more or less around our December 25th, those toga wearing, world conquering, idol worshipping Romans celebrated a holiday called Saturnalia.

Generally speaking, Saturnalia honored the god Saturn, who, the Romans believed, represented the bounty of a lost and ancient Golden Age, when the fruits of agriculture were spontaneous and abundant, requiring no human labor to produce. Humanity was thus free to simply enjoy being alive, free to partake of all of life’s pleasures: eating, drinking, and oh yeah, sex.

Rome’s Saturnalia festivities sought to recreate that carefree time with feasting, merrymaking, and general abandon. The merrymaking often involved role reversals, where masters served meals to slaves, men dressed as women, women as men, women bossed men around, and previously forbidden forms of pleasure, such as gambling, were permitted.

Along with feasting, gift giving was also a feature of the Saturnalia holiday.

Among the aristocracy and other well-todo Romans, the feasts were extravaganzas of multiple courses of exotic dishes.

These grand banquets often went on all night. There was plenty of food, wine, and oh yeah, sex.

Which brings us to a little-known Roman emperor, Elagabalus, also known as Antoninus. The youthful Elagabalus reigned briefly from 218 to 222 CE. By the time he ascended the throne, Christianity had been around for over 200 years but was not yet the official religion of Rome and its empire; that would have to wait Letters 50 DECEMBER 17, 2021

Emperor Constantine in the next century.

Once Constantine declared Christianity mainstream, it absorbed a number of the older, prevailing customs, incorporating into Christmas the act of gift giving and a toned-down experience of feasting.

Clearly, our holiday season is tame compared with Roman Saturnalia. But the remnants of that pagan holiday remain…

But until then, while Christianity was still an underground faith, forcing Rome’s Christians to secretly celebrate Christmas, and the empire’s Jews to discreetly light candles for Hanukkah, most Romans adhered to their pagan ways and celebrated Saturnalia. And Elagabalus really loved a good revel. Especially when it involved, yeah, sex. Especially gay sex. The photo of the first century Greco-Roman CE silver drinking cup accompanying this article (the Warren Cup, British Museum) gives us a pretty good idea of an aspect of Saturnalia’s sexual activities.

Elagabalus’s Saturnalia revels were legendary. As emperor, he had unlimited cash at his command to throw a helluva party. Dancers, musicians, jugglers, all elaborately costumed, provided entertainment. Flowers were brought in by the ton. In fact, there is anecdotal evidence that several guests at one of Elagabalus’s Saturnalia banquets suffocated under the massive quantity of violets which rained down from the ceiling.

Clearly, our holiday season is tame compared with Roman Saturnalia. But the

remnants of that pagan holiday remain: gift giving, social gatherings, hearty dinners, and if not out-and-out reveling, there is the idea of good cheer.

And let’s not forget Elagabalus. Short lived though his imperial reign was (he was assassinated in 222), his life echoes down through the ages and into our LGBTQ community. He didn’t confine his cross-dressing to the days-long festivities of Saturnalia. According to statesman-historian Cassius Dio, a contemporary of the emperor, Elagabalus often wore a stola, the women’s dress of Rome. Though married multiple times—as emperors were wont to do—according to Dio and others, Elagabalus not only preferred sex with men, he referred to himself as the wife of his lover Hierocles.

Moreover, other writings of the time indicate that Elagabalus later “married” the athlete Zoticus. Among modern scholars, no less a respected authority than Eric Varner, writing for the American Academy in Rome and published by the University of Michigan Press, there is an argument to be made that Elagabalus may have actually been transgendered. There is evidence that he asked various doctors to surgically provide him with a vagina, a practice ancient medical science could not achieve.

So when you give your gifts this year, when you drink your eggnog and feast with friends and family at holiday dinners, when you party at the office and at your neighbor’s annual get-together, tip your party hat to the ancient Romans.

Their Saturnalia revels reverberate through time and into our own December shenanigans.

And lift your glass to Elagabalus, who really knew how to party, and could really rock a stola. ▼ Ann Aptaker’s Cantor Gold crime/mystery series has won Lambda Literary and Goldie Awards. Her short stories appear in numerous publications and anthologies.

DECEMBER 17, 2021

51 Letters

Do You Hear What I Hear?

BY FAY JACOBS

RadioRehoboth: Our Community Airwave

R

ehoboth Beach has its own local radio station and lots of folks are tuning in. The station, at 99.1 FM, is RadioRehoboth, with a studio located downtown on 1st Street between Goolie’s Grill and Freddie’s Beach Bar. That’s a perfect spot for this homegrown non-profit radio station broadcasting local news, weather, interviews, traffic, and lots of great music—including jazz from Peggy Raley and Eddie Sherman, dance tunes, and an eclectic selection by DJ Tim Colfer (Delaware Today’s Best Downstate DJ, spinning seven days a week). There are show tunes on Sunday night and Jeff Balk (Best Downstate Talk Show Host) with a weekday morning show.

Jeff, who’s been in Rehoboth since 2006, also happens to own the iconic Snyder’s Candy Store on Rehoboth Avenue. He comes to his RadioRehoboth post with lots of broadcast experience, a great radio voice, and a love for the medium.

His radio career started in high school, continued in college, and progressed in addition to his day jobs in publishing and travel writing. He even did a short stint locally at WGMD. “I love what I do,” Jeff says, and that’s a good thing since the station’s on-air personalities are all volunteers for this fledgling non-profit. Between leaning into the mic to report local news, then seamlessly pushing buttons to bring in a guest by phone or an intern reporting Cape Henlopen football scores, he’s right at home.

Jeff was on board at the beginning, when the station was launched in October 2017 by founder Tom Dooley. The kickoff show was hosted by Trey Kraus (owner of Carlton’s clothing store) and shortly thereafter, Jeff began his morning gig. Current program director is Keith Ingram who, Jeff says, “did an amazing job learning the software that makes the station run.”

Jeff comes in every weekday morning around 6:30 a.m. to gather his community news sources, including local weather, traffic, COVID statistics, amusing national stories, and more. He writes his script, Letters 52 DECEMBER 17, 2021

which scrolls on his computer like a teleprompter when he goes on the air at 8:00 a.m.

He’s joined on the morning show by various guests, including Dave from Facebook’s Shore News Beacon, reporting police and fire news in Sussex County,

..the station’s on-air personalities are all volunteers for this fledgling non-profit.

Jeff discovered Rehoboth when he was an LGBTQ international travel writer, living in St. Louis and used to going to resorts all over the world. When in DC around 2001, he interviewed a lot of people who escaped to Rehoboth on weekends.

He visited here that Memorial Day weekend. “I loved all the rainbow flags, found all the merchants so welcoming, and loved the restaurants and same-sex couples holding hands in public.” He recalls venturing into the Purple Parrot, where owners Hugh and Troy told him all about the town. By the end of the three-

day weekend he was hooked, vowing to move here full time if he could. He managed it by 2006 and bought Snyder’s Candy that same year.

Jeff reports that as a 100-watt station, 99.1 isn’t far-reaching, but it surely is crisp and clear in downtown Rehoboth and environs, plus being able to be enjoyed to Millville in the south, Oak Orchard to the west and Milton up north. On good days you can often pick it up in Cape May, New Jersey. The FCC is considering boosting all community radio to 250 watts, which would carry RadioRehoboth even further.

Other local names you might recognize on the station include artist and broadcaster Michael Sprouse, with his Monday night show Creative Coast, local author Bill Newcott’s movie reviews, and this reporter with a Thursday show recounting tales of Rehoboth’s LGBTQ history. If you’ve missed any of these reports, they are archived on RadioRehoboth.com.

Absolutely the only negative thing to report about RadioRehoboth might be its savings account balance. As a 501(c) (3) non-profit, receiving no money from the state, the station is always seeking donations to stay on the air. While the broadcasters are all volunteers, the station must pay for music licensing fees and syndicated programs like the weekday show Democracy Now. You can listen locally at 99.1 FM or stream the shows live at RadioRehoboth. com. You can donate to this tax-deductible charity on the web site as well.

We hear you, RadioRehoboth. Enjoy all the music and fun this weekend and check in with Jeff Balk on Monday morning for the sound of the Nation’s Summer Capital. ▼ Fay Jacobs is the author of five published books and is touring with her one-woman sit-down comedy show, Aging Gracelessly. Her reports on Rehoboth’s LGBTQ history can be heard on RadioRehoboth, 99.1.

– OPEN ALL YEAR – Fireside Dining 7 Nights Great Earlybird and Happy Hour 5:00-6:30pm

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Happy holidays, neighbors.

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

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

We wish all our neighbors a safe and happy holiday season and the very best in the New Year. It’s a true joy to be part of such a wonderful community.

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DECEMBER 17, 2021

53 Letters

Q Puzzle Star Wars Challenge

Solution on Page 92 ACROSS 1 Mattis of figure skating 5 Former shortstop Derek 10 Debussy’s dusk 14 Schoolyard retort 15 Gay-friendly, perhaps 16 Ingrid’s Casablanca role 17 Star Wars challenge 20 Game room 21 Broadway opening 22 Needing BenGay 24 What Santa gave, in verse 25 Last movement, to Bernstein 29 Claire of the Moon actor Todd 33 It may come before long 34 Skirt fold 36 Have top billing 37 End of the challenge 41 Bag for shopping at Barneys 42 Tone of many Stein photos 43 Its head may be enjoyed orally 44 Stallion sounds 47 Indicated a turn 49 Young meat 51 Type of shot for Patty Sheehan 52 They are ruled by queens 56 Weatherspoon once of roundball

We are open Wednesday - Sunday

Dinner 4:30pm - 9pm

6 0 62 63 64 65 66 67

Answer to the challenge As to Diana’s accessory No, in Moscow Came out with Subway dangler Samurai sip this

DOWN 1 Delany of Wisteria Lane 2 Nicky portrayer, in Funny Girl 3 Gomer Pyle’s branch 4 Move from San Francisco, say 5 After the Fire novelist 6 Meadow mama 7 Blows without much force 8 Kane of All My Children 9 Take offense at 10 Fries or slaw, e.g.

11 It slicks Feniger’s pan 12 ID for Sandra Scoppettone 13 Comedienne Martha 18 Brewer Coors 19 “You want the light ___ off?”

23 Places for Adam and Steve?

25 Pains in the rear 26 Joe of The Ruffian on the Stair 27 Take care of

2 8 Makes more bearable 30 Get to second base, perhaps 31 Ethiopia’s Selassie 32 Ready to shoot off 35 Something to talk about 38 Riddled 39 Sip before the sack 40 Number one hit of Elton John 45 Lois and Clark actress 46 Peter and Mary 48 Nick Malgieri’s protection 50 ___ Be 52 Label on a lemon that isn’t a fruit 53 Elizabeth of Transamerica 54 Icon letters 55 Author Rednour 57 Lord of the Rings singer 58 Sniff out 59 Wine region of da Vinci’s land 61 Pitching stat

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 Letters 54 DECEMBER 17, 2021

APRIL 7 - 10, 2022

’Cause Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Featuring Chely Wright & Comedy Trio Funny Girlz!

S AV E THE DAT E !

FEST PASSES AVAILABLE

BEGINNING MID-FEBRUARY

WOMEN’S FEST IS BACK!*

Cheer! Country superstar Chely Wright, at the RB Convention Center!

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

Vickie Shaw, Lisa Koch and Roxanna Ward, Atlantic Sands Hotel

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

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

Experience! Keynote and very special speakers TBA

Discover! Popular Craft Expo, bingo, singles mixer, art show, Olivia cruise raffle plus Regina Sayles and other popular artists in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium at CAMP. Friday & Saturday

Remember! Honor loved ones and fight cancer: Broadwalk on the Boardwalk.

Stay! 30% discount at host hotel The Atlantic Sands until December 30, 2021 and 20% discount given if booked in 2022 Tell them you’re here for Women’s FEST! 302-227-2511. *If needed, COVID precautions in place.

FOR INFORMATION CALL 302-227-5620 OR VISIT CAMPREHOBOTH.COM CAMP Rehoboth ad_2022_full page.indd 1

10/4/21 AM DECEMBER 17, 2021 5510:39 Letters

CAMPshots

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

‘Tis the Season THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Grille: Paulette Lanza, Freddie Lutz, J.B. Fields, Chris Bennett, Barbara Brown, John Walden, Duane Reed, Grant Oines, Leon Vignes, Alex Acres, George Southworth, Jonathan Lockerby, Donna West, Yleen Visser, Joe Rively, Ty Hoffman, David Nelson, Jocelyn Pena, Bill McManus.

OPPOSITE PAGE 2) at the Rehoboth Beach Main Street Town & Cottage Awards: Dan Slagle, Greer Manival, Tom Lawson, Kim Lawson, Dave Lyons, Rick Hardy, Suzie Martin, Joseph Melloni, Charles Villa, Kathleen Mahon, Jerry Filbin, Peter Pizzolongo; 3) at the Blue Wave Gala: Leslie Ledogar, DE Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf, DE State Treasurer Colleen Davis, Michael McNease, Peggy Marilley, David Clark; 4) at Dalmata Restaurant: Chris Wilbert, Marc Donnelly, Doug Lynn, Pam Lynn, Nancy Walker, Bill Walker, Mike Balas, Tim Murray, Joe M., Tony Burns, Tom Newton, John Hackett; 5) at Coastal Concerts, Lewes, DE: Richard Scalenghe, Carol Dennis, Rachel Jonck, Andrew Garland.

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Letters 56 DECEMBER 17, 2021

More CAMPshots page 58)

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57 Letters

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

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4 (Continued from page 57) THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at the Rehoboth Beach Tree Lighting: Gary Seiden, Shelly Wolf, Ah Bashir; 2) at Theo’s Steakhouse: Robert Streiner, Robin Stone, Ned Kesmodel, Matt Gaffney; 3) at Bettenroo at The Pines: Joanne Glussich, Kim Witmer, Jamie Forshey, Susan Garson, Deb Bievenour, Suzanne Krupa; 4) at Eric Peterson’s book signing at Browseabout: Pam Kozey, Eric Peterson, Larry Rosen; 5) at The Pines: Randall Malick, Michael Taggert, Eli Scearce, Ilene Klein, Keith Long, Bob Goodrich.

5 Letters 58 DECEMBER 17, 2021

OPPOSITE PAGE: 6) more at The Pines: Tom Newton, Jon Hackett, Catie Watts, Seth Watts, Amy Cochrane, Jimmy Cochrane Katie Hackett, Kevin Hackett, Pamala Stanley, George Toma; 7) at the Rusty Rudder: Ducky Sheetz, Cathie Sheetz, Alex Pires, Diane Cooley, Mindy Martin, Brooke Sterling, Ashley Danson; 8) at the Rehoboth Art League’s Holiday Fair: Brian Cox, Konrad Nobel; 9) the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society: Matthew Trucks, Marion Dowling, Terry Plowman, Robert Pikington, Nancy Allen, Robert Thompson, Dick Snyder, RB Commissioner Patrick Gossett, RB Commissioner Jay Legree, RB Historical Society President David Mann, RB Commissioner Edward Chrzanowski; 10) at the Blue Moon: Ivy Blue Austin, Tim Lessa; 11) at the Rehoboth Reach Farmers Holiday Market: Karen Ferguson, Pat Coluzzi, Mimi Rottiers, Mark Conheady; 12) at the CAMP Rehoboth Holiday Party: Matty Brown, Anita Broccolino, Amber Lee, David Mariner, Derrick Johnson, Jim Mease, Russell Stiles, Patricia Stiles. ▼

‘Tis the Season

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59 Letters

View Point

BY RICHARD J. ROSENDALL

Oy to the World

Our Cultural Clashes Can Teach Us New Ways to See

R

ecently there was a commentary in the Washington randa at the 2008 Tony Awards when he won for best score Post titled “Hanukkah isn’t ‘Jewish Christmas.’ Stop for his show In the Heights: “Mister Sondheim, look I made a treating it that way.” I happen to know Hanukkah’s hat where there never was a hat,” quoting a lyric by the older origins in the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid composer. I recalled this when the sad news came of Stephen Empire 22 centuries ago, the reconsecration of the second Sondheim’s death at age 91. temple, and the miracle by which In the early 1980s, Sondheim’s the oil for cooking the latkes and show Merrily We Roll Along sufganiyot lasted eight days. Okay, flopped. One of my favorite songs, I have that slightly confused. But “Not a Day Goes By,” is from that the point is, it has nothing to do score; but many things go into a with Christmas. show’s success or failure. SondThe writers were complaining heim was at a low point when about commercialization of the his book writer, James Lapine, holiday and what I call its christificasuggested French impressionist tion. It’s not an unreasonable point.

Georges Seurat and his painting A Christians have been co-opting othSunday Afternoon on the Island of er people’s holidays since the reign La Grande Jatte as an inspiration, of Constantine, when Christmas was noting that its main character was set on December 25, which Romans missing: the artist. The resulting celebrated as the rebirth of the musical won the 1985 Pulitzer Prize Unconquered Sun after the winter for drama.

At its best, art is more than solstice and was also the birthday of It is impossible to explain why entertainment: it shows us new ways to one loves a particular work or the Indo-European god Mithra.

Still, the examples of commerperson. A leap of imagination is see. It helps us recognize one another cialization cited by the authors required, an alchemy that can only and appreciate our diversity. were funny: a throw pillow in the be felt and recognized. colors of the Israeli flag embroiBackstage before the Gay dered with the phrase “Oy to the Men’s Chorus of Washington’s World,” a Jewish variant of Elf on Kennedy Center Concert Hall the Shelf called Mensch on a Bench, and a Dancing Bubbe. debut in 1986, executive producer Craig Bowen assured us, It is inevitable, in our cultural intersections, that people will “The worst that can happen is you’ll make a complete fool of get things wrong. Some suggest, for example, that when Presyourself. So what the hell?” That is the best advice I have ever ident Kennedy said, “Ich bin ein Berliner,” he was inadvertently received. Craig was not denigrating preparation, but summonsaying, “I am a little jelly doughnut.” That is untrue, but it’s a ing our nerve to capitalize on it in performance. Whatever life charming thought. a songwriter’s work enjoys is not on the printed page but in We can use some levity these days. The omicron the air that vibrates between performers and audience. It dies coronavirus variant threatens a rough winter, compounded by away as quickly as it is created, yet it lives on in us. the politicization of a public health crisis. Several Republican At its best, art is more than entertainment: it shows us new members of Congress are stoking political violence, and ways to see. It helps us recognize one another and appreciate some are implicated in planning the January 6 insurrection our diversity. It gives breath and pulse to shared values. at the Capitol. QAnon cultists, who believe Democrats eat Years ago, the adolescent son of dear friends of mine (for babies, waited at Dealey Plaza in Dallas for the appearance whom I had bought his first menorah, modeled on Noah’s Ark) of President Kennedy and his son JFK Jr., convinced that they was deeply moved as he and his dads watched a performance are not dead. of Sunday in the Park with George at the Kennedy Center.

The dwindling daylight in the global north is accompanied He has blossomed into a gifted young artist himself. I look for many by depression, aggravated by social pressure to forward to discovering how he answers Dot’s parting words of join in holiday merriment. Instead of making their depression encouragement to George, “Give us more to see.” worse by pressing them into performances of joy they do not I’ll have latkes with that. ▼ feel, let this be a season of mutual respect and tributes to those who have inspired us.

Richard J. Rosendall is a writer and activist at rrosendall@me.com.

One of my favorite such tributes was by Lin-Manuel MiLetters 60 DECEMBER 17, 2021

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61 Letters

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Sponsored by CAMPsafe. © 2009 CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. For more information, call CAMP Rehoboth at 302-227-5620 or the CDC hotline at 1-800-232-4636. Funding provided through a contract with the Delaware Division of Public Health. CAMPsafe is a program of CAMP Rehoboth.

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Plan Your Stimulus

Letters 62 DECEMBER 17, 2021

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63 Letters

Volunteer Spotlight

BY ANITA BROCCOLINO

The Woman Extraordinaire—Ann Evans

A

nn Evans, a volunteer with CAMP Rehoboth for over 10 years, has been instrumental in keeping the heart of CAMP Rehoboth’s Membership program pumping.

She began her incredible journey with CAMP Rehoboth in 2011, after suffering the loss of her brother, Al Bulliner, in January of that year. “Al was a big supporter of CAMP Rehoboth,” said Evans, “and I knew volunteering and putting my skills to good use was one way I could honor him and contribute to his legacy.”

Murray Archibald, one of the founders of CAMP Rehoboth, shared his gratitude and appreciation for Ann: “CAMP Rehoboth was built on the dedication and service of its volunteers and supporters, and Ann Evans has been both. Although she may have started volunteering as a CAMPcierge, it was when another great volunteer, Charlie Lee, passed away in 2015 that Ann assumed many of the day-to-day responsibilities for managing the complicated CAMP Rehoboth Membership Program, along with Jack Morrison. It was (and remains) a vital role within the organization. Steve (Elkins) and I were deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment to the task. Even more, we were honored to call her a dear friend, and were constantly cheered by her kind and loving support.”

Ann concurred, saying “I loved being welcomed by the founders, Murray and Steve. And when Charlie passed away, I jumped in and they were consistently appreciative of my efforts.” She added, “A lot has changed about CAMP Rehoboth, but I hope those in charge will always remember its roots and never stop working for change or equality—especially when it comes to the youth. The community, new staff, and our youth need to know and be taught the history.”

Among those sad to see Evans step down from her volunteer role is Jane Blue, Board Chair of the Membership Team. “Ann is the woman extraordinaire, not only in her personal life but also in her CAMP life! I have relied very heavily on Ann and her accuracy so that timely Letters 64 DECEMBER 17, 2021

information about membership payments and activities were readily available to the staff and Board.”

The funds brought in from supporters provide a large proportion of the dollars CAMP Rehoboth needs to support its

CAMP Rehoboth was built on the dedication and service of its volunteers and supporters, and Ann Evans has been both.

work in the community. The incredible team who has kept the membership program strong for many years is composed of Jane Blue, Ann Evans, David Carder, and former staff member Barb Ralph (now retired). David Carder will also step back from his role as Ann leaves her volunteer position. All of these individuals contributed significantly to our strong organization, and we thank them!

Blue noted the program’s growth: from 2015 to today, membership has risen from 750 to over 1,200 (over 1,900 individuals, taking households into account). That means, at a minimum, data entry plus one

snail-mail letter to each member. Those who do not respond in a timely manner could receive up to two additional mailed reminders, a phone call or two, plus a final notice that their membership had lapsed.

That adds up to approximately 2,300 letters and literally hundreds of phone calls per year, much of it falling to Ann Evans and David Carder.

“Hats-off to one very special lady whose fingers dance across the computer keyboard!” said Jane. “We will definitely miss her friendliness and dry sense of humor. She has an innate willingness to help, and we knew that the job would be done correctly. Thank you, Ann, from the bottom of my heart. You made my responsibility enjoyable and rewarding. I shall miss her more than she will ever realize.”

Many of us at CAMP Rehoboth feel the same about Ann Evans—a witty and wise community member extraordinaire. Jack Morrison, who helped with membership, said “Ann has always been committed and generous. Her dedication and many hours each week were an inspiration.”

David Carder, her indispensable volunteer counterpart, said: “Ann made handling things seem easier to accomplish thanks to her patience. I will miss working with her and being part of something that had such purpose.”

When asked about favorite memories, Ann said with a laughing wink, “David (Carder). It’s like he and I have been married for eight years. He has been the best work husband anyone could ever have asked for…and now we’re divorcing!” She then paused for a long moment, seemed to get serious, and said, “Probably in all of my volunteer years it was the day that Steve overheard me talking to someone and I said something silly about being “the resident straight person” at CAMP Rehoboth. Steve did not miss a beat, and yelled from the next room over, ‘Who are you kidding, Ann? You’re as gay as the rest of us!’” ▼ Anita Broccolino is Development Director for CAMP Rehoboth

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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We’re all in this together.

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

Get to a better State®.

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(302) 236-4254

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

Randy Mason Cell:

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DECEMBER 17, 2021

65 Letters

arts+entertainment

BY DOUG YETTER

SPOTLIGHT ON THE

arts

CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at the Heart of Our Community

Fast Away the Old Year Passes… …but not fast enough for most of us!

In times gone by, the holiday issue has been a time for reflection on the year, and that was my intention when I began writing. But I’ve resolved to stop looking backward. There is no reason to elaborate on what went right or wrong in 2021 (or 2020 2.0 if you will), and as we’ve learned over the past 22

months, it would be a waste of precious time prognosticating about 2022.

The old Yiddish proverb “We plan, God laughs” could not ring truer. And as I’ve already been deemed a “liberal nutjob,” there’s no purpose enumerating what I perceive as being wrong with the world as it would likely start yet another argument. Potayto, potahto.

So, gentle readers, it’s time to find joy in our lives. Use the season to explore new ways to give of yourself. If you feel hopeless, give hope to those less fortunate. Volunteer, give of your time, talent, and treasure. Get out of your head.

The days are short, and the dark can overwhelm, but joy will lead us home.

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses! ▼

CAMP REHOBOTH SHOWS HINENI (Here I Am)——These stunning, powerful, large-scale abstract works are gracing the walls of the Elkins-Archibald Atrium. HINENI is a solo master’s thesis exhibition by Rebecca Davidson, a contemporary abstract impressionist painter currently pursuing an MFA from Savannah College of Art and Design. Davidson’s approach explores motion, color, and texture, creating monumental, layered paintings where the pigments and forms dance together. The body of work included in the exhibit encapsulates the crossroads of their experience as an Intersectional Artist.

Pacem in Terris Traveling Peace Artwork—a juried exhibit containing work by 15 young artists. This year’s collection of art is particularly impactful, and includes multiple mediums— paintings, drawings, photography, collage, and more. The young people’s written words about their visions for peace accompany the art. Pacem in Terris is a grassroots organization focused on achieving peace through justice. They believe that together we can restore our communities and foster a healthier world where we all can thrive.

Both of these must-see exhibits run through January 3, 2022. Take some time during this hectic holiday season to stop by CAMP Rehoboth, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., to reflect on the art in these two meaningful shows.

In January, watch CAMP Rehoboth’s website (camprehoboth.com) for more information about ART + ACTIVISM, an exhibit featuring the work of Black artists, held in conjunction with Black History Month.

Above, Home Is Where You Are by Rebecca Davidson.

At right, image from Pacem in Terris Traveling Peace Artwork.

Letters 66 DECEMBER 17, 2021

CAMP REHOBOTH highlights our community’s unique history and culture, and serves to further diversity, equity, and inclusion, by building unity and understanding. ▼

arts+entertainment PERFORMING ARTS CAMP Rehoboth Chorus (37 Baltimore Ave, 302-2275620, chorus@camprehoboth.com) is in rehearsal for their 2022 concert—The Great American Songbook, featuring the music of 20th century legends Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Billy Joel, Carole King, and Paul Simon.

February 18-20 at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road.

Cinema Art Theater (17701 Dartmouth Drive, Lewes; 302-313-4032; rehobothfilm.com) offers reduced seating capacity for in-person viewing, and dozens of films available for streaming. The Met: Live in HD: Cinderella January 8-11; Rigoletto February 7-8. See website for current information.

Clear Space Theatre Company (20 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-2270; ClearSpaceTheatre.org) Palette Knives by Chloe McEldowney at Peninsula Gallery.

presents Scrooge the Musical through December 19. Tickets are on sale for their great 2022 season—39 Steps, Victor/Victoria, 9 to 5, Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, Elf, and more! Check their website for details.

The Milton Theater (110 Union Street, Milton; 302-684-3038; miltontheatre.com) has reduced capacity for social distancing and continues to present a remarkably diverse array of shows and talent. Check their website for events.

Mispillion Performance Series continues their premiere season with Sounds of the Season—Music for the Heart with flutist Karen Johnson, trombonist Bryan Bourne, and pianist Mariko Hiller on December 18, 7:30 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church (19285 Holland Glade Road). FREE and open to the public.

Rehoboth Concert Band (rehobothconcertband.org) presents its Holiday Peace Concert, featuring traditional carols, medleys with surprise “twists,” and songs of global peace. December 19, 3:00 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road. Visit their website for information and tickets.

(Left to right) Sunday 10 AM, and The Lovers, by Aster da Fonseca at Peninsula Gallery.

both.com) features Pacem in Terris, and HINENI. (See listing elsewhere in this column.)

Gallery 50 (50 Wilmington Avenue; 302-227-2050; gallery50art.com) offers complete framing services and represents a plethora of talented artists.

Fish and Shells by Sharon Marquart at Milton Arts Guild.

GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

Milton Arts Guild (107 Federal Street, Milton; 302-684-1500; miltonartsguild.org) celebrates their new home and offers online classes for all. Visit their website for classes and upcoming events.

CAMP Rehoboth Gallery (37 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-5620; campreho-

Peninsula Gallery (520 E. Savannah Road, Lewes; 302-645-0551; peninsu-

la-gallery.com) presents their 18th annual holiday show, Small Jewels, featuring works limited in size and price, through December 31. Their artist of the month is Nancy Richards West.

Rehoboth Art League (12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres; 302-227-8408; rehobothartleague.org) has settled in for a bit of a winter nap, while gearing up for Still Life, a Juried Members Showcase Exhibit opening January 12. Visit their website for upcoming exhibitions and classes. ▼ 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.

DECEMBER 17, 2021

67 Letters

arts+entertainment BOOKED SOLID

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Of course, Pamela, another of Truman’s swans, stole Slim’s man, a scandal that Capote loved.

Gloria Guinness was highly intelligent, possibly enough c.2021, Putnam, $28/$37 Canada, 356 pages to be a spy in Nazi Germany. Lucy “C.Z.” Guest was an upper-crust “elitist” with a “magical aura.” Marella Agnelli “was Her lips are locked tight. born an Italian princess”; Lee Radziwill, of course, was JacqueYour best friend knows all your line Kennedy’s sister. secrets, and she’s keeping them; you Through the late 1960s, Capote claimed to be writing his told her things you had to tell somemasterpiece, his tour de force based on his swans, but sevbody, and she’s telling nobody. You eral deadlines passed for it. He was sure Answered Prayers always knew you could trust her; if you “would turn him once again into the most talked-about author couldn’t, she wouldn’t be your BFF. But in America.” as in the new book Capote’s Women, by Laurence Leamer, Instead, when an excerpt from it was published, his swans’ what kind of a friend are you? feathers got very ruffled.

For months, Truman Capote had been promising a blockEvery time you stand in line for groceries, the tabloids buster. scream at you with so much drama that you either love it or Following his success with Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In hate it. Or, in the case of Capote’s Women, you cultivate it.

Cold Blood, he was “one of the most famous authors in the And that’s infinitely fun, as told by author Laurence Leamer. world” but he needed a career-booster. The novel he was Happily, though, Leamer doesn’t embellish or disrespect writing, he teased, would be about “his swans,” seven wealthy, these women or Capote; he tells their tales in order, gently fashionable women who quite personified “beauty, taste, and allowing readers’ heads to spin with the wild, globe-hopping manners.” goings-on but not to the point that it’s overdone. While most of His first swan was Barbara “Babe” Paley, whom he’d met on this book is about these seven beautiful, wealthy, and serially a trip with the David Selznicks to Jamaica. For Capote, “Babe married women—the Kardashians of their time, if you will— was the epitome of class,” simply “perfect” in every way; it Capote is Leamer’s glue, and Truman gets his due, as well. helped that the famously gay writer was no threat to Paley’s Readers who devour this book will be sure that the writer “madly jealous” husband. would’ve been very happy about that.

Babe’s “dearest friend” was Nancy “Slim” Keith, who quickCapote’s Women should be like catnip to celeb-watchers of ly learned that if a lady wanted her confidences kept, she a Certain Age but even if you’re not, find it. If you’re a Hollydidn’t tell Capote anything. She shouldn’t have trusted Babe, wood fan, you’ll want to get a lock on it. ▼ either: when Slim left for a European trip, Babe asked if Slim’s husband could accompany Babe’s friend, Pamela Hayward, to Terri Schlichenmeyer has been reading since she was three years old a play.

Slim was aware of Pamela’s predatory reputation, but what and never goes anywhere without a book. Always Overbooked, she lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 15,000 books. could she say?

Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era

by Laurence Leamer

Letters 68 DECEMBER 17, 2021

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February 18, 19 @ 7pm February 20 @ 3pm

Epworth United Methodist Church 19285 Holland Glade Rd • Rehoboth Beach, DE

camprehoboth.com

March 20 @ 3pm

ENCO CONC RE ERT

Sussex Academy 21150 Airport Rd • Georgetown, DE

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

DECEMBER 17, 2021

69 Letters

CAMP Houses

BY RICH BARNETT

Club Kent

T

he first time I walked by Bryan Hoffman and Jim Lonsdale’s house on Kent Street in Rehoboth it was lit dramatically by purple and pink lights. Bubbles fluttered out onto the street. Soft disco music played. Yes, I had been drinking. But I distinctly remember thinking this must be some sort of magical fairy house.

What I didn’t know then was that bubbles and purple lights were simply par for the course for this couple from the City of Brotherly Love where Bryan runs a business specializing in the design, installation, and maintenance of interior plants, urban exterior plants, and creates holiday displays for corporate clients. More recently, he opened Hot Bed, a Center City art gallery featuring contemporary artists inspired by nature and a love for living things. It makes perfect sense then that their beach home would become a canvas for Bryan’s creativity.

“We decorate seasonally,” Bryan explains, “Halloween, Christmas, you name it… It’s fun and we find it’s helped us get to know and connect with our neighbors.” Jim, who worked in IT and now runs Pedego, an e-bike store in Lewes, agrees and is quick to point out that Bryan takes the lead on the seasonal decorating. “I’m very happy to say that all my attempts to rein in some of his more exotic ideas have failed miserably….”

Bryan first came to Rehoboth as a kid. His parents rented a giant apartment downtown above the Avenue Restaurant. In 1983, he came out while working as a busboy at Crabber’s Cove in Dewey Beach. After spending many summers in beach houses with friends, he and Jim decided the time was right to buy a place in 2010.

They were attracted immediately to the Kent Street house because of its cottage look, especially the large front porch. According to Bryan, it’s a Nanticoke modular home built in 2000. There are several of these houses scattered around town. You’ve

Letters 70 DECEMBER 17, 2021

probably seen one with its distinctive front porch and “eyebrow” enclosed porch directly above.

“Renovations,” Bryan says, “were kept simple—painting, new tile, countertops, carpet on the second floor. I’d describe the interior design as bohemian, filled with art and ever-changing objects.

His aesthetic for Club Kent blends natural and traditional elements and then pushes the envelope with lighting and color to spread some bold holiday cheer.

It’s very playful and definitely not serious. Music permeates every space of the four-bedroom cottage. Flamboyant grasses stand as sentinels in the front yard, welcoming you to Club Kent, as we call it.” The scale and the personality of their house fits right in on this quaint block—one of my favorites in town—that hasn’t been overrun with McMansions.

One big difference between their house and the other eyebrow houses around town, however, is that it doesn’t have the standard second-floor enclosed porch, but rather an open-air sun deck off the master bedroom. It’s the perfect perch from which to shoot bubbles, position a macabre Halloween mannequin, or erect several brightly lit Christmas trees.

Christmas decorating is something Bryan is very passionate about. His aesthetic for Club Kent blends natural and traditional elements and then pushes the envelope with lighting and color to spread some bold holiday cheer. For years back when Rehoboth held a holiday decorating contest, the guys engaged in spirited battles with the Rehoboth Guest House for holiday décor supremacy.

They won first-prize in 2015.

So, if you’re out and about town this holiday season take a stroll or a ride by 36 Kent Street and check out what the guys have in store this year.

Flamboyant or subtle, I’m certain it will make you smile. Seriously. Psychologists say holiday lights seem to trigger dopamine, the “feel good” chemical in the brain. And can’t we all use some good holiday cheer this year! ▼ Rich Barnett is the author of The Discreet Charms of a Bourgeois Beach Town, and Fun with Dick and James.

ENTERTAINMENT MINUTES FROM THE BEACHES!

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Holiday Film Screening December 23 - 3PM & 7PM

THE FUNSTERS Benefit Dance Party December 29 - 7:30PM

DAME EDNA'S NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY! Featuring: Early Countdown

December 31 - Friday - 8PM

December 30 - BLUEGRASS NUTCRACKER: No Spare Time / 7:30PM January 6 - ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE: Ticket To The Moon / 7:30PM January 7 - LIMA BEAN RIOT / 8PM January 13 - LOWER CASE BLUES / 8PM January 14 - F* NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS: Comedy Show / 8PM January 15 - GOOD STUFF: Tribute to Steely Dan, Sting, Stevie Wonder & Gino Vennelli / 8PM January 21 - THE MAGIC DUEL / 8PM January 22 - KICK IT OUT: Heart Tribute / 8PM January 27 - COWBOY: Kid Rock Tribute / 8PM February 4 - LUCAS BOHN: Stand Up Comedy / 8PM February 5 - HIGH NOON: Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd / 8PM February 6 - DEANNA FITZPATRICK: Psychic Medium / 7:30PM February 10 & 11 - ROCK N' ROLL RADIO: Musical Theatre Ensemble Winter Showcase / 7PM February 13 - ONE DAME FUNNY VALENTINE: Dame Edna / 7:30PM February 17, 18, & 19 - THE LION, THE WITCH, & THE WARDROBE Live Production / 2PM & 7PM

unGALA: BOOTLEGGERS BALL Milton Theatre Fundraising Event 2022

Saturday, January 8 - 8PM

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

MISS RICHFIELD 1981 40 Years On The Throne January 9 - 7:30PM

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

DECEMBER 17, 2021

71 Letters

Letters 72

DECEMBER 17, 2021

DECEMBER 17, 2021

73 Letters

Deep Inside Hollywood Janet Mock gigs with The International Sweethearts of Rhythm

B

etween 1937 and 1949, The International Sweethearts of Rhythm stormed stages and music halls as the first racially integrated all-woman’s jazz and swing band in the United States. They performed across the country and electrified music fans everywhere they went, becoming some of the most influential women of the Big Band era. In the decades since, feminist scholars and music writers have sought to keep their memory alive, placing them in the jazz canon that usually celebrates male contributions to

music. But nothing brings attention to history in danger of being erased like a big movie, and now The International Sweethearts of Rhythm will be a feature film from Sony Pictures.

Writer/director Janet Mock (Pose) has signed on to direct and rewrite an earlier script draft, and we hope that means a finished movie in theaters is on the fast track. It’s been nearly 30 years since A League of Their Own, (yes, yes, we know; that was baseball) and we’re ready for the movies to remember a whole new band of pioneering women. ▼

Jane Lynch and Megan Mullally are ready to Party Down again

I

f you know you know, as they say.

And that’s how we feel about the cult sitcom Party Down, the hilarious 2009 Starz series about catering staff in Los Angeles. The impeccably funny cast—Adam Scott, Jane Lynch, Ken Marino, Martin Starr, Ryan Hansen, Megan Mullally, and Lizzy Caplan— worked fancy industry parties and dreamed of their big breaks, while invariably getting into scrapes with the guests. The show was over too soon for its devoted fanbase, but now a reboot is on the horizon. Everyone except Caplan (prior commitments to a Fatal Attraction remake and the FX series Fleishman Is in Trouble) is returning for the six-episode season and production begins early in 2022. We’re already planning a viewing party and looking up vegan slider recipes. ▼

Romeo San Vicente has enjoyed international sweethearts in a variety of global time zones.

Letters 74

DECEMBER 17, 2021

BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE

Kim Cattrall joins the new Queer as Folk, drink in hand

W

ill we always miss Kim Cattrall as Samantha, the only person on Sex and the City who seemed to enjoy having sex in the city? Yes. But are we suddenly filled with joy over the announcement that she’ll be joining the upcoming reboot of Queer as Folk? Also yes. Double yes. While the original UK series was set in Manchester, and the first US iteration took place in a wildly imaginary Pittsburgh, this new version, a fully glowed up 2022 dive into all the ways we are queer now, will follow the lives of a group of friends in New Orleans whose lives are changed as the result of an unspecified tragedy. Cattrall will play against SATC type as a rich matron with a Southern trailer park background and a taste for martinis.

We’re certain that the cast of young up-andcomers—Ryan O’Connell, Jesse James Keitel, Candace Grace, Johnny Sibilly, Devin Way, and Fin Argus—will be more than happy to mix the drinks for this icon. ▼

Midas Man takes on gay Beatles manager Brian Epstein

B

rian Epstein found them in a basement in Liverpool, and when the Beatles became superstars, he was their manager. He was also gay and closeted and died far too young. There’s been a graphic novel about his life, The Fifth Beatle, as well as a documentary and speculative indie drama of his relationship with John Lennon called The Hours and Times. And after a long development we’re now getting the biopic Midas Man, starring Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (The Queen’s Gambit) as Epstein, alongside Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Lukas Gage, Rosie Day, and Bill Milner. Original director Jonas Akerlund was just replaced with House of Versace director Sara Sugarman, and filming is currently underway in Liverpool. As for the Beatles themselves, that casting news has yet to be announced, so we’ll assume for now that to keep the focus on the man himself, we’ll see only the backs of John, Paul, George, and Ringo’s heads. ▼

everyday rs $15 Lobste

TUESDAY -SATURDAY

happy hour 4-6pm

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

WEDNESDAY

Off-Center ed Society Double Poin ts Day

DECEMBER 17, 2021

75 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* Jim D’Orta & Jed Ross & AJ, Cubby & Maryrose Skip Dye & Steven King* Judy & Carole Jesiolowski James W. Johnson & Matthew H. Shepard* Christine Lay X Wesley Lin & Brian Chapman Fred Munzert & J.P. Lacap Beth Pile & S.A. White X Mark Purpura & Matthew Adams* Chris Rinaldi & Brian Powers X Mary Rossettini & Kathleen Taylor Jennifer Rubenstein & Diane Scobey X 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 Steven Wright DMD PA*

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Letters 76

David Nelson & William McManus X John Newton & Mowry Spencer X Mark Niehaus & Brooks Honeycutt X Kathleen Nilles & Camille Nichols* Jeanine O’Donnell - State Farm* Gwen Osborne & Katie Handy Signarama X The Pearsall Family* Richard Perry* Porter-Gordon Family* Deborah Qualey & Karen Gustafson X John Roane & Doug Lingenfelter In Memory of Jeff Hosley Lori & Renee Rocheleau Mark Roush & Dave Banick* Mark Schweizer & Robert Voelker Susan Tobin & Cathy Martinson* Terry Vick Frank Vitrano X Mel W. & Linda Lee M. Weller Karen West & Melissa Clement* Ronald Wetzel & Nathan Hench Brian Yanofchick

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

GREEN LEVEL Sharon Bembry & Lois Powell* Alex Benjamin & Pete Grover* David Bower* Chris Bowers* David W. Briggs & John F. Benton X Charlie Browne & Rod Cook X Barry Bugg* Cheryl Buxton Lisa Carrol & Deb Dubois X Jay Chalmers & John Potthast X 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* Ann DeLazaro & Annette Potemski

DECEMBER 17, 2021

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

YELLOW LEVEL Brenda Abell X Keith Anderson & Peter Bish X Dale Aultman & Paul Gibbs X Shannon & Sarah Avery* Pamela Baker & Diane Dixson* Linda Balatti & Shirley Gilmer X Susie Ball & Susan Delaney X Mike Ballenger & Martin Thomas* Miriam Barton* Chris Beagle & Eric Engelhart* Tom Beall Barbara Beavers & Kathy Carrell Sherry Berman & Deb Hamilton X

CAMP REHOBOTH MEMBERSHIP 2021 Abby Bernstein & Karen Frank X Michael Boyle & Greg Murphy X John Brady X Jeffrey Buhrman & Roger Alford David Carder Kathy Casey & Jean Burgess X Kate Cauley & Pat Newcomb Bob Chambers* Jean Chlastawa & Susan Griesemer Jim Chupella & Jim Wigand* Dottie Cirelli & Myrna Kelley X Austin Clayton Steve Clayton & Brad Lentz* Gary Colangelo & Gerald Duvall X Nancy Commisso* Thomas Conway & Thoth Weeda* Billy Cox & John Carr* Anthony Delacruz & Ronald Mangano Fred DiBartolo & Steve Wood X Maureen Dolan & Karen McGavin* Albert Drulis & Scott Silber* Sandy Duncan & Maddy Ewald Gary Espinas & Daniel Sherlock Karen & Lisa Faber* Alice Fagans & Ruth Ann Mattingly* John Farley & Dennis Wilson X Dent Farr & Erick Lowe* Dee Farris* Jerry Filbin* Cecily Fisher & Loretta Higgins Diane Fisher & Kharma Amos Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth* Monica Fleischmann & Lona Crist X John Flournoy & Jim Chrobot John Furbush & Tom Feng Susan Goudy* Bill Graff & Jeff Schuck* Ken Green & Joe Kearney* Mary Gunning Wesley Hacker & David Block* Jo Hamilton & Donna Voigt* Harbor Healthcare* Pete & Joanne Harrigan* Robert Henthorne & Roger Bolduc David Herring & Karl Hornberger Carol Holland - Holland Jewelers X Caroline Huff & Brenda Robertson* Nan Hunter & Chai Feldblum Pete Jakubowski* Philip Johnson* Bob Kabel* Marilyn Kates & Laura Glenn* Andy Kite & Karl Martin Rose Korten & Brenda Pinkney Greg Kubiak* Carol Lazzara & Sheila Maden* Edmund LeFevre & Keith Wiggs X Greg Lehne Monica Lewis & Ann Zimmerman* Frank Liptak & Joe Schnetzka* Jim Lonsdale & Bryan Hoffman John Mackerey & Donald Filicetti Patricia Magee & Anita Pettitt X Ellie Maher Harold Marmon & Robert Hill* John Marson Jill Masterman & Tammy Jackson* Tony Mazzarella Michael McCarthy & Lars Kontz In Memory of Vickie Stapleton Mickie McManamon*

Howard Menaker & Patrick Gossett X Phil Merola & Rocco Scutaro Ray Michener & Tom Carlson* Sherril Moon & Louise Montgomery* 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* Stephen Pleskach X Tom Poor & Tom Bachmann - Bin 66 Fine Wine* Jim Pressler X Sam Profeta X Lisa Rabigi & Bea Vuocolo* Joie Rake & Nan Flesher X Gene Roe X Thomas Rose & Thomas Sechowicz X Lucien Rossignol & Tom Harris* Mark Saunders & Bob Thoman* Richard Scalenghe & Thomas Panetta* Gary Schell & Jim DiRago Betsy Schmidt X Sheryl Schulte & Jeanne LaVigne* Angela Scott Troy Senter & Stacey Chan* Mary Ann Slinkman & Sharyn Santel Polly Smale - In Memory of Charlotte Reid* David Smith & Kenn Williams Susan Soderberg & Terri King X John Michael Sophos & Miss Dot Sophos* Diane Sozio & Patricia Hutchinson* Dee Speck & Linda Kauffman X Mary Spencer & Kathy Lingo* Russell & Patricia Stiles* Robert Stoltzfus & Gerald Warhola* Lenny Stumpf & John B. Pitchford* Brett Svensson & Bill Quinn Dust Doctors LLC* Thrasher’s French Fries* Don Wainwright & Tom Jamison* Lana Warfield & Pamela Notarangelo X Elizabeth Way & Dorothy Dougherty* Michael Weinert X 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 Continued on page 78

DECEMBER 17, 2021

77 Letters

Continued from page 76

Boland Family - In Memory of Michael J. Kelly* 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* Community Bank Delaware* Mark Conheady* Lois Cortese & Jill Stokes X Kay Creech & Sharon Still* Kenneth Currier & Mike Tyler X John D’Amico* Linda DeFeo X J. Lynne Dement & Lisa J. Snyder* Jim DiLalla & In Memory of Frederick Episcopo* Tony DiMichele & Jeff Smith* Donna Dolce* Kevin Doss & Arie Venema Arlyce Dubbin & Kathleen Heintz* Brenda Dunn & Karen Anderson Richard Egler Susan Eig & Ellen Schiff X Jeanne Embich* Maureen Ewadinger* Ellen Feinberg & Lesley Rogan X Barbara Fitzpatrick & Denise Centinaro Sara Ford & Anne Donick* Roland Forster & David McDonald Deb Fox & Deb Bonneau Charles Gable Christopher Galanty & James Apistolas Ron Glick & Tien Pham* William Gluth & Channing Daniel* Ed Gmoch* Mike Gordy & Ed Brubaker Joe Gottschall & Scott Woody Charles Graham* Deborah Grant & Carol Loewen* Todd Hacker Jen Hackler Siobhan Halmos & Beth McLean* Sharon Hansen X Pat Harte & Nancy Sigman Steve Hayes Tracey & Erica Hellman Nancy Hewish & Vicki Martina* Bill Hillegeist X Mary Anne Hoopes & Dianna Johnston* Vance Hudgins & Denny Marcotte* John Hulse X Mary Huntt & Angela Creager Janet Idema & Patricia Higgins* Frank Jump & Vincenzo Aiosa* Mark Kehoe X Maryl Kerley & Pat Sagat X Bonnie Kirkland & Wanda Bair X Jay Kottoff & Mark Matey* Rob & Jean Krapf X Barbara Lang & Diane Grillo* Jim Lesko Chip Logan Dale & Sue Lomas* Duncan MacLellan & Glenn Reighart* Robb Mapou & Mike Zufall Marsha Mark & Judy Raynor* James Mastoris & Edward Chamberlain X

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

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

DECEMBER 17, 2021

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

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

Nancy DeToma & Meg Smith* David DeVargas & Steven Champion X Carolyn DeVito Dawn Devries & Helen Krum Henry & Marcia DeWitt X Romy Diaz & Dennis Bann Julie Dickson X Richard Dietz Mary Dipietro & Wendy Schadt* Deb Dobransky & Ketty Bennett* Arthur Dochterman X David & Lizann Dockety X Peg Dolan & Mary McDevitt X Millie Donnell Debbie & Karen Dorris* Kathryn Downs Frances Doyle X Paul Dradransky X Zita Dresner Michael Driscoll & Ben McOmber X Susan Dube & Diana Patterson* Deanna Duby & Carol Bruce Barry Dunkin Gene Dvornick X Sue Early X Frank Echols & Robert Robinson Eden Restaurant X Claire Edmondson & Louise Bylicki Brad Edwards Gail Elliott & Bea Hickey* Pamela Elliott W. Kay Ellis Susan Farr & Joanne Pozzo Alexis Faust Larry & Ro Fedorka Karen Ferguson Virginia Fessler & Chris Patton Jayne & Ro Fetterman* Irene & Edward Fick* Allen Fred Fielding X Joe Filipek & Larry Richardson X Mark Finkelstein & Michael Zeik X Paul Finn & Joseph Porporino Rick Fischer X Barbara Fischetti & Janet Thoden Gary Fisher & Josh Bushey* James Fitzsimmons & Brian Burdelle Keven Fitzsimmons & Jeff Stroud X Chuck Flanagan X Paul Florentino & Chris Pedersen X Sandra Fluck & Beverly Morgan* Mary Ford & Judy Hedrick X Beebe Frazer X Phil Fretz X Billiemichelle & Evelyn Friel* Neil Frock & Bob Harrison* Bill Fuchs* Marilyn Fuller & Teresa Marigliano June Rose Futcher Lorraine Gaasche & Jill Mayer* Frank Gainer & Ramon Santos* Lynn Gaites & Faye Koslow X Nina Galerstein* Marcia Gallo & Ann Cammett Jerry Gallucci & Conrad Welch* Karen Gantz & Jeanie Geist Kathryn Gantz & Kathryn Gehret Don Gardiner X Cheri Garnet & Cynthia Arno Patricia Garrison Mindy Gasthalter* Wilson Gates X Charles George & Dennis Rivard X Tracey Gersh & Amy Johnson Gary Gillard X Jordan Gipple & Paul Weppner* Joan Glass X Karen Glooch X Jane Godfrey* Continued on page 80

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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302.727.0936 | TRUITTLODGE.COM | 36233 FARM LN, REHOBOTH BEACH, DE 19971

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

Letters 80

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

DECEMBER 17, 2021

Becky Lyons & Ebie Hamrick X Wendy Maclay & Sheree Davis* Christopher Magaha* Joe Maggio X Loretta Mahan* Bernadette Maher & Cheryl Tarlecky Jack Maher X Nancy Maihoff X Eddie Major X Bruce Majors X Harvey Manchester X Domenic Mannello X Stephanie Manos & Reber Whitner X Anyda Marchant X Charles Marino & Alan Berman* Diane Markey & Randi Snader* Sharon Marquart Colleen Martin Michele Martin & Rosalee Elson Norma Martin X Linda Martinak & Susan Baker Nan Martino & Patty Rickman* Joe Matassino & Tim Murray Frank Matero Nancy Mathis Jason Darion & Jason A. Mathis-White John Matthews & Nick Polcini* Sarah Matthews Eric Matuszak X Lewis Maurer Donna McCabe & Mac Ignacio X Edward McCord Kathleen McCormick & Elizabeth Fish X Mary McElhone & Nancy Kaiser X Sherri McGee & Kris Aulenbach Thomas McGlone X Kathleen McGrath Ellen McKeon & Kay Cummings* Joe McMahon X Joseph McNally & Terry Jones X Charlotte McNaughton Chuck McSweeney & Michael Clay X Jim & Bruce McVey-Back* Mary Medlock & Susan Russell Buck Melton X John Messick X Joseph & Thomas Michael-Ryan Alicia Mickenberg & Kathleen Fitzgerald* Jamie Middelton* Dr. Phyllis J. Mihalas X Melissa Milar* Alicia Miller & Shawn Noel* Bruce R. Miller & Dean D. LaVigne X Frank Miller X Marilyn K. Miller & Candice Zientek* Todd A. Miller & Michele Frame X Trixie Miller Lee Wayne Mills X Stan Mills & Marcia Maldeis X Linda Miniscalco & Jeanne Drake* Martha Monell Andrea Monetti & Karen Petermann* Sue Monismith X Jamie Moore Teri Moore & Barb Kulbaba* Mary Morgan & Beth Fitton X Meg Morgan & Susan Lynham X Bob Morris & James Weygandt Carol Morris & Ann Abel Pearl Morris* Barry Moshinski & Robert Ponzini Andrew K. Moss & Richard Blevins X Donna Mulder & Denise Delesio* Brent Mundt X Marie Murray & Deb Ward X

Robbin Murray & De Raynes* Cynthia Myers Kathleen Nagle & Susan Blazey Marta Nammack & Francis Murphy Marc Nasberg & Howard R. Nelson X Keith Neale X Cindy Necaise & Debbie Cole X Lee Ann Nelson X Darrell Netherton & Robert Wheeler X James Newkirk & Leon Wilkowsky* Janet Newkirk X Arletta Nicholl & Mary Anderson Scott Nickle Konrad Noebel, MCAT, LMT & Brian Cox* Teri Noel* James Nolan Janet Nosal Paul Nye & Jerry Hofer Chuck Oakes & Robert Dellanoce* Susan O’Brien* Terry O’Bryan & Jack Musser James O’Dell X Megan O’Donnell Dan O’Flaherty* James O’Malley X Richard O’Malley X Missy Orlando & Patty Violini X Jeffrey & Lisa Osias X Kathy Osterholm Randy Overbaugh X Sharon Owens & Doreen Halbruner Sally Packard & Dinah Reath X Denise Page Richie Pagnotta X Bud Palmer X Stephen Pape & Jerry Clark Fred Parham Emilie Paternoster & Monica Parr X Carol Patterson & Carol Hughes* Tim Patterson & Harvey Sharpe X Peggy Paul X Wesley & Connie Paulson* Lucille & Dan Payne Michelle Peeling & Wendy Adams* Caroline Pellicano Beverly Peltz* Roy Perdue X Al Perez & Gary Kraft* Susan Petersen & Luz Cruz Eric Peterson X Elizabeth Petitte & Erin Reid Bruce Pfeufer X PFLAG-Rehoboth Beach Peggy Phillips & Norma McGrady* Frank Pileggi & Jon Blackman X Arleen Pinkos* Janice Pinto & Lori Swift* Terry Plowman X Jo Pokorny* Claire Pompei & Dolores Yurkovic* Mary Lu Pool Roni Posner X Sue Potts & Karen Kohn X Pat Powell Renata Price & Yona Zucker* Timothy Price & Gerard Sealy X Glen C. Pruitt* Sarajane Quinn* Jean Rabian & Ralph Hackett X Elaine Raksis & Maxine Klane* Barb Ralph X Rob Ramoy X Bob & Mary Beth Ramsey X Linda Rancourt & M. Sue Sandmeyer* Lewis Rathbone* Nancy Ratner Carole Redman

Janet Redman X Carolyn Redmon & Nancy Allen* Randy Reed X Rehoboth Art League* Peter S. Reichertz X Ken Reilly & Tony Ghigi X Virginia Reime & Gene Tadlock* Jeff Reinhart & Jack Miller* Patricia Remeis & Maureen Kane Thomas Resh & Jeffrey Meyers X Judith Retchin & Elyse Wander X Deborah Reuter & Deborah Bea* Sarah Reznek & Babette Pennay Sandie Riddell & Eileen Siner* Marion Ridley & Mark Lundy X Keith & John Riley-Spillane X Joel Robbins & Michael Linder X Sandra Robbins X William Robbins & Gary Ralph Sandy Roberts X Rob Robertson & Carlos Taylor X Teri & Amy Robinson-Guy Craig Rocklin X Tim Rodden & Randy Clayton X John & Susan Roehmer* Jeanne Rogers* Roy Rollins X Lauren Romig X Debbie Ronemus & Peggy Sander* Ed Rose & Sandra Robbins X Michael Rose & David Le Sage Peter Rosenstein X Larry L. Ross X Ellen & Terry Roth Perreault X Barb Rowe X Ski Rowland & Gary Mosher X Joan Rubenstein X Mary K. Ryan* Steve Sage & Thom Swiger X Chris Sailer & Min Mancini Joe & Nancy Sakaduski* Margaret Salamon* Cindy Sanders & Donna Smith* Sanford & Doris Slavin Foundation X Kim Schilpp* Nancy Schindler & Eric Youngdale Michael Schlechter & Kevin Sharp X Lisa Schlosser & Sherri Brown Rosemarie Schmidt & Carolyn Horn X Sharon Schmitt* Kirk Schneck Holly Schneider & Linda Haake Jaime Schneider & Glenn Randall X Peter Schott & Jeffrey Davis* Carol Schwartz X Craig Schwartz & William Pullen X Mona Schwartz & Joanne Tramposch* Carol Scileppi & Valerie McNickol* Diane Scobey X John Scotti & Greg Landers David Scuccimarra & Dorothy Fedorka* Clifton C. Seale & Charles A. Gilmore* Nancy Bradley Seibert* Shirley Semple* Marj Shannon* Dale Sheldon & Pat Coluzzi X Kelly Sheridan & Debra Quinton David Sherman X George Shevlin & Jack Suwanlert* William Shively & TD Stanger Davis Short & Beverly Castner Francine Siedlecki Frank Silverio X Marc Silverman & John Campbell* Kelly Simon Continued on page 83

DECEMBER 17, 2021

81 Letters

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Continued from page 80

Joanne Sinsheimer & Margaret Beatty* Sandra Skidmore X Ken Skrzesz X Jeffrey Slavin X Anne Smith & Lisa Taylor Carol Smith* Harlan Joe Smith & Dustin Abshire* Leonard Smith X Marty Smith & F. Price Connors Peg Smith* Robert Smith Rosanne Smith & Brenda Butterfield* Shannon Smythe & Kevin Subers Claire & Mikki Snyder-Hall Sandra Sommerfield & Cindy Scott X Sandy Souder - Unity of Rehoboth Beach* Lynda Sowbel Jim Spellman X Lorraine Stanish & Beverly Miller* Christy Steer X Frank Sterner X Lisa Stewart X Libby Stiff & Bea Wagner X Milindi Stifler Allison Stine & Pete Jamieson Tracy Stith & Laura McCarthy Dr. Frederick C. Stoner * Michael Stover* Christine Strauss X Lois Strauss X Trish Sullivan & Sandy Hudson Jill Sungenis & Nicole Bano Frank Surprenant, DDS & Chris Wisner X John Swift & Ron Bowman X Melanie Szvitich Gail Tannenbaum & Wendy Walker* Ronald Tate & Jacob Schiavo X Suzie & Robert Taylor - In Memory of Richard Bonnet Micaela Tedford X David Thomas & David Tiburzio X The Hon. Henry E. Thomas IV & John-Kevin Litschgi X Thomas Tibbetts X Otto F. Tidwell X George Todd & Rusty Baker Cassandra Toroian X Manny Tortosa X Steve Touzell & Marshall Scott Beadle Cheryll & Bill Trefzger* Steve Triglia X Roz Troupin & Mary Harris X Patricia Truitt Abby Tschoepe & Pat Dunn* Matt Turlinski & Jerry Sipes X Ed Turner & Steve Baker X Judy Twell & Cheri Himmelheber Bruce Uliss X Thomas Urban & Marc Samuels* Donna Valla Debra Van Dyke* Jennifer Varone Joseph Vescio V. James Villareale & Dale Ebert* Gail Vitale & Carmen Garrett Beverly Vogt & Waneeta Mack X Patrick Wadsworth & Mike Converse X Scott Wagner & John Sohonage* Eric Wahl & Eric Coverdale Marianne Walch X Jennifer Walker & Mary Ann Veitch X Paula Walker & Gayle Dumonceaux

David Wall & Robert Houck* Kenneth E. Walz & Robert G. Ward, Jr. X Garold Wampler X Michael E. Ward X Robert Warmkessel X Jack Warren* Sharyn Warwick X Ellen Watkins X Troy Watson & Dennis Wolfgang* Barbara Weatherly Debbie Webber & Terry McQuaid Lisa Weidenbush & Judy Stout Kathy Weir & Lynn Finaldi* West Side New Beginnings Donna West Gary West & Jay Seitz - In Memory of Richard Pagnotta Patricia West Karin Westermann Carl R. Wetzel X Liz Wheeler & Ruth Morse X Steve White & Wayne Williamson X Thomas White & Robert Freeman X Kurt Wibbens Aimee Wiest & Charlotte King Phil & Stephanie Wikes Steven Wildasin Keith Wilkinson X Diane & Ken Williams Edward Williams Jim Williams* Rich Williams X Kelly Williamson & J Ellis Lynne Wilmer & Jeannie Marsh Donna L. Wilson & Laurie R. Levin X Lynn Wilson* Stephanie Wingert & Carla Avery* Patricia Wojnas David Wolanski Max Wolf X Carol Woodcock & Carol Lewis* Cody Woodfin & Rich Morgan Michael Wray Robert B. Wright X Marjorie Wuestner & Catherine Balsley* Janet Yabroff Alexander G. Yearley X James E. Yiaski X Linda Yingst* Jay York Vickie York X Sheila & Tim Young James Zeigler & In Memory of Sam Deetz* Carol Zelenkowski* Lorraine Zellers Phyllis Zwarych & Sheila Chlanda*

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☐ $50 annual or ☐ Basic Dual/Family, $85 annual RED BASIC Advance ticket notice, roster listing, logo sticker, and window cling.

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Names in bold are new or upgraded members as of December 6, 2021

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

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DECEMBER 17, 2021

83 Letters

THE PLAYERS & THE PLAYWRIGHT

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

Ticking His Way to the Top

R

obin de Jesús starred in Broadway’s Rent in 2005. Now, he has a memorable role in the new film about its creator.

It’s a Jane Fonda kind of day for Robin de Jesús. The 37-year-old actor says so on Zoom, where he appears from Beverly Hills, his face beaming in that Fonda light, for a day of press to talk about Tick, Tick…Boom!

The film has earned positive reviews for its story about Jonathan Larson, the creator of Rent who wrote the music and book for Tick, Tick…Boom!—first performed in 1990—as he was desperate for his major musical-theater breakout hit as a struggling artist in New York City’s SoHo. He’s got great friends, some queer. Less great is his apartment, but hey, it’s NYC and you do what you have to if you want to be a star playwright. The film is set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis that tore through the LGBTQ+ community, ruthlessly killing some of the people Larson loved most.

Larson did, of course, eventually become a star thanks to Rent, but died the morning of its Off-Broadway preview performance, on January 25, 1996, after suffering an aortic dissection. He was 35.

Directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda with a screenplay by Steven Levenson, the film adaptation of Tick, Tick…

Boom—in theaters and on Netflix—finds Andrew Garfield in deep as Larson, and delightfully so. His embodiment is simply radiant. But as his best friend and roommate Michael, Jesús meets Garfield at his level. The film is Jesús’s second for Netflix that started as a stage production.

He played Emory in both the star-studded Broadway revival of The Boys in the Band in 2018 and last year’s Netflix film adaptation.

Here, Jesús talks about the rare opportunity to depict a loving relationship between a straight man, Larson, and his character, and how he’d definitely be game for a sequel to the 2003 queer cult film Camp, where he played a gay teen.

I watched Tick, Tick…Boom! twice in 24 hours. It moved me deeply. Did it Letters 84

DECEMBER 17, 2021

feel the same way for you as it might for the audience?

Yeah. I think growing up, being a kid who was a nerd and loved [the musical] Sunday in the Park with George, a story about a writer and his relationship with his creativity and how he navigated that, I always said to myself, “I hope I get to have a story like that someday.” And that’s very much what this is.

Yeah, I was thinking about that. I also was thinking about the fact that you got your start on stage in Rent on Broadway in 2005.

Ain’t it weird?

Did your involvement in Rent have anything to do with your involvement in Tick, Tick...Boom!? Was that important to Lin? I don’t know that it affected Lin casting me, but I do know that he clocked it.

After he saw my audition and pieced that together, I think it allowed him to receive that as affirmation that I was the right choice. I think it let him know that I was gonna come in devout to Jonathan, and that I was gonna come in devout to the

story and just leave it all on the table.

On a scale from zero to Jonathan Larson, how eager were you to leave your mark on musical theater when you first got your start in the business?

Oh, are you kidding me? I came out that gate, y’all, like, “I’ma be the next Bernadette Peters.” [Laughs.] I wanted to be a part of that legacy of the shows, and honestly, it’s really, really funny [because] Heights gave me that [Jesús starred in In the Heights on Broadway during its 2008-2010 run], I remember thinking, “All right. Well, what’s the goal now? You did that thing you wanted to do.” Now, I wanna just tell good stories. I wanna make sure I’m contributing to my people and furthering us, but also, I just want to go to work.

At this point in your career, how do you recognize when a story is a good story?

There’s a feeling. A thing that lets you know. A gut feeling. And I always listen to that, ‘cause I feel like when you don’t listen to the gut, it’s just disrespectful.

[Laughs.]

So what would it take for you to sign on for, say, a Camp sequel?

Oh, all day every day! There was talk of Camp becoming a TV show or a movie, and I don’t know what’s happened since, but I’ll come back as a counselor.

That needs to happen. Netflix, are you listening?

From your mouth to God’s ear. ▼ 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.

DECEMBER 17, 2021

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DECEMBER 17, 2021

MAKE YOUR COMEBACK

AMAZING! Comeback to the best version of you with lots of safe workout options - in person, online, outdoors, or in the pool!

JOIN TODAY! WWW.YMCADE.ORG Sussex Family YMCA 20080 Church Street, Rehoboth, DE 19971 Financial assistance is available. 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.

DECEMBER 17, 2021

87 Letters

Celebrity Interview

BY MICHAEL COOK

Kristin Chenoweth

I

t’s been a massively busy 2021 for Kristin Chenoweth. She released her latest stunning Christmas collection Happiness Is…Christmas, appeared in the innovative Apple TV+ show Schmigadoon!, and reunited with Wicked co-star Idina Menzel on the Tony Awards to sing the now-classic song, “For Good.” Despite all this, Chenoweth found the time to get engaged to musician Josh Bryant. As the year winds down, I sat down once again with this multi-talented and multi-faceted superstar to talk about the recent Wicked casting, the inspiration behind her latest album, and what 2022 just may hold for her.

Michael Cook: Tell me about the new album Happiness is…

Christmas. Recording and now releasing a holiday album truly is the remedy we all need right now after a challenging time.

Kristin Chenoweth: Thank you so much, I agree. I think the more Christmas music the better. I chose some new songs that no one has heard, as well as some favorites. “Why Can’t it be Christmas Every Day” is kind of an ear worm, I love it. Then there’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “My Dear Acquaintance,” that Peggy Lee wrote. There’s “Everybody’s Waiting for the Man with a Bag,” and K Star, an original “Oky” girl, sang it. I’ve got a little bit of everything for everybody and I’m very proud of it.

MC: The casting for the big screen version of Wicked was just announced and it is creating some massive buzz. You have been a mentor to Ariana Grande since she came to see you in Wicked all those years ago. What about her do you think is going to make her the perfect Glinda for the big-screen production?

KC: I met her when she was 10. I’ve been close with her since. I think what makes her the perfect Glinda is that she sees from afar. You know, Wicked, the show itself, means good and bad. Both girls are good and both girls battle bad. And I think that’s life. Not a lot of people know that Ariana Grande is also very funny. That is a requirement for the role. She’s got to be a comedian. Nonetheless, we all know that she’s going to sing the crap out of it. Arianna is perfect for Glinda.

MC: This holiday season, you are celebrating your engagement to musician Josh Bryant. What is it like to truly have found “your person”?

KC: Relief. Safety. Nothing but love, acceptance, tolerance.

Not jealousy. He’s happy for me, wants me to be my better self, and I want him to be his better self. Those are the key ingredients to a happy relationship.

MC: What was it like to be a part of the Tony Awards and singing with Idina Menzel once more, and then appearing onstage at the opening night when Wicked returned to Broadway?

KC: Let me start with the first part of your question. You know, Idina and I will be linked forever because of what we did together in Wicked. It’s very rare that we’re together now, as we both have our own careers. When those moments do come, it’s very emotional. I have a feeling for as long as we’re alive, on very special occasions we’ll be singing “For Good.” To sing it again with the person that you originated the role with is pretty cool.

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DECEMBER 17, 2021

Photo: John Russo

I was asked to come and greet everybody at Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre, and of course I said yes. To see the house packed, to see people standing and clapping and being there to celebrate Broadway almost brought tears to my eyes. I was so, so proud of all the people backstage getting ready, being together. I told them they would never have another night like this; this is a reopening of your show. So take it, love it, and have fun.

MC: What does 2022 hold for you? Anything you can talk about? I see you have joined the cast of National Champions….

KC: Yes, the movie comes out in December. I love the subject matter. It’s opposite JK Simmons; he’s so incredible. I’ve got to plan a wedding for 2022. That’s going to be a focus. I’ll hopefully continue to work but my first priority is to plan a wedding. ▼ Michael Cook has been a part-time resident of Rehoboth Beach for over a decade. He is currently a contributor to Instinct Magazine, World of Wonder’s WOW Report, and South Florida Gay News. In between interviewing copious amounts of Real Housewives and RuPaul’s Drag Race queens, he has interviewed Liza Minnelli, Andy Cohen, RuPaul, Wendy Williams, and Debra Messing among others. Michael can be found on Instagram.

S R A E Y T A E R G 7 G N I T CELEBRA

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And to all have a HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

DECEMBER 17, 2021

89 Letters

CAMPNews CAMP News ontinued from page 12

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

CAMP Rehoboth Chorus

L

ooking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Buy your tickets for the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus’s President’s Day concert! Tickets are available now at camprehoboth.com and Eventbrite.

The theme for the concert is The Great American Songbook. Act one will feature standards by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and George Gershwin. Act two will chronicle the modern-day American songwriter, featuring classics from Billy Joel, Carole King, and Paul Simon. This return of a full-chorus show is one you don’t want to miss! ▼

End-of-Year Donations If you forgot a gift for someone on your list—no worries! Just donate to CAMP Rehoboth in their honor.

Donations received before noon on December 22 (and accompanied by the recipient’s email address) will be acknowledged with a notice sent on Christmas Eve to announce the gift.

During this season of giving and gratitude, please remember CAMP Rehoboth in your end-of-year giving plan. CAMP Rehoboth relies on these donations, combined with membership program dollars, to help sustain its work. If donating through the CAMP Rehoboth main website, please be sure to indicate in the message area that the donation is for end-of-year giving.

VISIT CAMPREHOBOTH.COM TO MAKE A DONATION. Letters 90

DECEMBER 17, 2021

A Tribute to Lynne Maloy

C

AMP Rehoboth lost a dear friend last month after her battle with lymphoma. Her story is being told in these pages because every day there are fewer and fewer people who remember some of the amazing people and projects which helped create and sustain this organization.

Lynne Zamil Maloy once was affiliated with the Children’s Museum in Washington, DC, and working for the DC government. After re-locating to Delaware in the early 90s, she was affiliated with the Jefferson School in Georgetown, Rehoboth Art League, Possum Point Players, and Rehoboth Beach Main Street. She raised funds, ran projects, and had a grand time with it all. Lynne and Letters’ former editor (and long-time columnist) Fay Jacobs worked together on Main Street’s Dolphin Project in the mid-2000s.

Those who worked with her will never forget her wide-open eyes and enormous smile as she announced, “Oooh, I have an idea! Tell me if I’m crazy!” Most often, the craziest thing about her ideas was the amount of money they raised and how many people they helped.

In 2013, after retiring from the non-profit circuit, Lynne had the crazy idea to open a community thrift store called Unfinished Business. It took shape off Route One in the bank of shops behind Panera and has been a busy place ever since.

The store was a hybrid, part non-profit, part local business, as Lynne, her husband Patrick, and daughter Allie turned it into a thriving money-maker for other non-profits. Regularly, substantial checks went to affiliated non-profits so Lynne could help them continue their good work. Part of the set-up had the non-profits providing volunteer help in running the shop. CAMP Rehoboth Board Member Kathy Wiz coordinated the effort for CAMP. According to CAMP Rehoboth Treasurer Natalie Moss, from 2014 to 2018, CAMP Rehoboth received $34,875 in donations from Unfinished Business, plus another $6,000 through 2019 for

Sundance fundraising. And then there were the annual baskets of merchandise for the silent auctions. By any calculation, the donations topped $40,000.

But money is only half the story.

Lynne came up with a program called TRANSmission. She would open the thrift shop after hours so that transgender people could shop in comfort and privacy as they transitioned to their new wardrobes and lives. It’s hard to quantify how many people Lynne helped, but the program was a stroke of genius

by Lynne and a stroke of luck for many CAMP Rehoboth clients and supporters.

In addition, former CAMP Rehoboth staff member Sal Seeley worked with Lynne to refer CAMPers who were struggling financially. They’d receive a $25 credit to spend at Unfinished Business.

If Lynne happened to be there when the person came to shop, the credit would often rise substantially, helping people acquire needed clothing or home goods.

CAMP Rehoboth—and Letters—salutes Lynne Maloy. May her memory be a blessing both for all who knew her and for those who didn’t, but who benefited from her philanthropy. ▼

WE REMEMBER

Robert Patrick Hughes

R

obert Patrick Hughes, 64, a Rehoboth Beach resident who enjoyed the company of a wide circle of friends and who had been a pharmaceuticals executive, passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021, at his Canal Pointe home.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Robert Patrick and Anna Mary Kiernan Hughes.

Mr. Hughes was a 1975 graduate of Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Maryland. Mr. Hughes was most recently project manager at Human Genome Sciences.

In 1978 he met his future husband, Edward J. Kelly. In the early 1990s, after years of spending the summers at Rehoboth Beach, they selected a lot during the initial construction period at Salt Pond in Bethany Beach. They moved to Canal Point in 2007.

Mr. Hughes attended the Rehoboth Art League’s annual

summer exhibition and was a patron of Delaware artists. He and his husband delighted in hosting an annual summer party and staged elaborate brunches and other meals. They also were stalwarts of Rehoboth’s gay community. Friends recalled his loyalty, happy spirit, and pleasant demeanor.

Mr. Hughes was a member of St. Edmond’s Roman Catholic Church.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hughes was predeceased by his partner, Edward J. Kelly, in 2016. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth “Liz” Hughes Legrand (Ronnie) of Frederick, Maryland; his brother, James Francis Hughes (Beth) of Martinsburg, West Virginia; his nephews: Timmy Meehan and Nathaniel Hughes; his nieces: Katie Cummings (Floyd) and Amy Hughes; his sisters-inlaw: Ellen Cora Kelly, Mary Stewart “Mimi” Kelly, and Josephine Kelly; and his brother-in-law, Jacques Kelly.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at St. Edmond’s.

Final care for Mr. Hughes has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, Delaware. Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.▼

Delaware Hospice provides more than in-home hospice services.

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

delawarehospice.org 302.683.8948

MORE THAN HOSPICE DECEMBER 17, 2021

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Don’t miss a thing.

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

R E H O B O T H

Preparing/serving Christmas Eve dinner to veterans at the Home of the Brave, Milford • December 23—Volunteers to shop for menu items • December 24—Volunteers to assist with cooking at a volunteer’s home in Rehoboth. Approximate time: noon to 3:00 p.m.

• December 24—Volunteers to assist with transporting the meal to Home of the Brave, and then serving the meal. Time: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

To sign up, go to https://signup.com/go/SwhEwmp

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

WOMEN’S FEST 2022 EVENT PLANNING AND FUNDRAISING Volunteers needed for help with: set-up/organizing events, seeking new partnerships and/or sponsorships; helping to spread the word, writing/communications/PR, graphic design…and more!

YOUR NAME

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

PARTNER’S NAME ( IF APPLICABLE)

LETTERS DISTRIBUTION TEAM

STREET MAILING ADDRESS

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

CAMPCIERGES

CITY, STATE, ZIP

☐ YES ☐ NO PHONE

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

IS THIS A RENEWAL?

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

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

to all the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center volunteers for the period: Nov. 7 - Dec. 3, 2021

ARTS TEAM

Jane Knaus Lois Powell Leslie Sinclair Tiffany Smith Patricia Stiles Debbie Woods

CAMP COMMUNITY CENTER

CAMPSHOTS PHOTO VOLUNTEERS

Tony Burns David Camorali Fay Jacobs Laura Reitman

CHORUS LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

CAMP MAINTENANCE

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

CAMPCIERGES

CROP AT DELAWARE BOTANIC GARDENS

Ann Evans Natalie Moss Sandra Skidmore Alan Spiegelman Eric Korpon

Barbara Breault David Carder Max Dick Jim Mease Kim Nelson Pat Powell Patricia Stiles Russell Stiles Joe Vescio

Robert Arner Todd Hacker Rodney Lau Jim Mease Beverly Miller Debbie Woods

EBAY VOLUNTEER

Tony Mazzarella

GRANTS COMMITTEE

Leslie Calman Kate Cauley David Garrett John Roane Leslie Sinclair

HINENI ART RECEPTION

Jane Knaus Leslie Sinclair Patricia Stiles Debbie Woods

Grant Kingswell Vickie Martina Stephen Palmer Russell Stiles Linda Yingst MEMBERSHIP TEAM

Jane Blue David Carder Ann Evans

RAINBOW THUMB CLUB

Dale Adams Chris Bowers Ronald Dempsey Carol Brice Linda DeFeo LETTERS DISTRIBUTION Karen DeSantis TEAM Patricia DiModugno Meredith Brumbaugh Monica Fleischman Lauren Dobey Sparky Jones Mary Ellen Mannion Chip Logan Jim Mease Carolyn Ortwein Jennifer Rubenstein Samantha Pietryak Kim Schlipp Diane Scobey LETTERS MAILING TEAM Evie Simmons Barb Thompson David Carder Margaret Tobin David Hagelin Elva Weininger Nancy Hewish LETTERS ARCHIVIST

VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Pat Catanzariti Karen Laitman Jim Mease Rina Pellegrini Leslie Sinclair John Michael Sophos Angie Strano Debbie Woods WORLD AIDS DAY

Joseph Anastasio Mark Basile Mark Bianco Todd Hacker Leslie Ledogar Jane Lerch Shawn Noel Hannah Simone Sandra Skidmore

DECEMBER 17, 2021

93 Letters

AD INDEX 1776 Steakhouse....................................................... 65 Accent on Travel............................................................7 AG Renovations.......................................................... 79 Allen Jarmon, Realtor................................................. 39 Beagle Real Estate Group.............................................9 Beebe Healthcare...................................................... 41 Beebe Healthcare Career Opportunities................... 63 Brandywine Urology Consultants............................... 19 bsd.............................................................................. 31 Café Azafran............................................................... 35 CAMP Chorus The Great American Song Book.......... 69 CAMP Rehoboth End Of Year Campaign.................... 29 CAMP Rehoboth Gift of Letters.................................. 33 CAMP Rehoboth Letters Subscription........................ 93 CAMP Rehoboth Women’s FEST Save The Date........ 55 CAMPsafe................................................................... 62 Caroline Huff, Artist.................................................... 11 Cat & Mouse Publishing............................................. 53 Chesapeake & Maine................................................. 75 Coho’s Market & Grill.................................................. 23 Country Lawn Care..................................................... 94 County Bank............................................................... 17 DE Div of Public Health, Lung Screening................... 27 DE Div of Public Health, Tobacco............................... 13 Delaware Beach Life.................................................. 81 Delaware Community Foundation............................. 85 Delaware Hospice...................................................... 91

Letters 94 DECEMBER 17, 2021

Delaware Humane Association ................................. 44 Donna Whiteside, Realtor.......................................... 12 Fifth Avenue Jewelers................................................ 87 Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant............................. 37 Gay Women’s Meet Up............................................... 35 Go Fish Go Brit........................................................... 79 God’s Greyts Senior Greyhounds............................... 62 Goolee’s Grille............................................................ 37 Harbour Waterfront Dining......................................... 54 Hugh Fuller, Realtor.................................................... 46 Immanuel Shelter....................................................... 87 Indigo Indian Cuisine................................................. 15 Jack Lingo, Real Estate.............................................. 51 Jenn Harpel, Morgan Stanley..................................... 15 John Black/Bill Peiffer, Realtors................................. 72 Jolly Trolley................................................................ 92 Just In Thyme Restaurant........................................... 53 Lana Warfield, Realtor................................................ 31 Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, Realtors............................ 77 Lori’s Café.................................................................. 43 Loves Liquors............................................................. 43 Maplewood Dental Associates................................... 92 Membership Matters.................................................. 11 MERR Institute............................................................ 75 Midway Fitness & Racquetball................................... 95 Milton Theatre............................................................ 71 Olivia Travel................................................................ 21

Purple Parrot.............................................................. 47 PWW Law.................................................................... 23 Randall-Douglas......................................................... 39 Randy Mason/Shirley Kalvinsky, Realtors.................. 65 Rehoboth Beach Bears............................................... 89 Rehoboth Beach Dental............................................. 31 Rehoboth Beach Museum.......................................... 17 Rehoboth Guest House.............................................. 79 Rehoboth Massage & Alignment................................ 62 Rigby’s Bar & Grill....................................................... 73 Saved Souls Animal Rescue....................................... 39 Sea Bova Associates, Realtors................................... 96 Springpoint Choice..................................................... 45 State Farm - George Bunting..................................... 65 State Farm - Jeanine O’Donnell/Eric Blondin............. 53 Sussex Family YMCA.................................................. 87 The Lawson Firm........................................................ 75 The Lodge at Truitt Homestead.................................. 79 The Pines.................................................................... 61 Time to Heal Counseling & Consulting...................... 86 Troy Roberts, Realtor.................................................. 15 Unfinished Business................................................... 35 Village Volunteers...................................................... 68 Volunteer Opportunities............................................. 93 Volunteer Thank You.................................................. 93 Where 2 Next Travel................................................... 82 Windsor’s Flowers...................................................... 35

FREE MEMBERSHIP if you have United Health Care (AARP) insurance Access to all gym areas indoor and outdoor

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24-Hour Access to All Equipment, Racquetball, Sauna, WiFi Convenient location behind Midway Theaters. With great parking!

THE CLEANEST GYM IN TOWN! 34823 Derrickson Drive Behind Movies at Midway 302.645.0407 www.midwayfitness.com STA F F E D

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PM DECEMBER 17, 202111/9/21 95 2:36 Letters

LINDA BOVA

BRIDGET BAUER

BROKER-ABR®

ASSOC. BROKER-REALTOR®

CELL

CELL

302-542-4197

302-245-0577

CAMP ARROWHEAD - Lewes Own the Land!

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

Living room opens to the eat-in kitchen.

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

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

MARINERS COVE - Millsboro.

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

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

~ CALL ~ LUZ ESCOBAR REALTOR ®

302-260-2080 cell email

luz_escobar2000@yahoo.com

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

Laminate flooring & carpeting in the bedrooms.

0.22 acres. Big L-shaped screened porch.

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

REHOBOTH BAY - Rehoboth.

3BR/2BA 1989 doublewide.

Formal LV & family room w/FP. 4-Season porch. 6 miles to beach. Marina & community pool. $115,000 (2009250) Lot Rent $636/mt.

SILVER VIEW FARM Rehoboth. 1980 2BR/1.5BA. Living room w/tip-out. Eat-in kitchen. Big screened porch.

Fenced yard. Shed. Pool & 3 miles to beach. $72,500

HOLLY OAKS - Lewes.

New Construction w/Spring - Summer Delivery. 3BR/2BA 1,560sf home. Bamboo floors.

Granite & SS appliances in kit.

12’x16’ deck. 0.49 acres. $385,000 (similar home)

(2010028) Lot Rent $604/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. $72,500 (184316)

*A/C

BAYFRONT AT REHOBOTH - Lewes. This Kingfisher model by Schell Bros. is a 2016 3BR/2.5BA home, with a 3-car, side-load garage, has approx. 2,896 sq. ft. of living space & an oversized, walk-in attic above the garages. Harwood in the main living area. Great room & entryway foyer feature 2-story cathedral ceilings.

Beautiful kitchen w/granite adjoins the dining area.

1st-floor main suite. Loft & other bedrooms upstairs.

“Flex room” could be a den, office or formal dining room. 0.56 ac w/fenced *A/C yard. $710,000 (2000315)

*A/C

ANGOLA CREST II Lewes. 1985 3BR/1.5BA is nicely updated. Screened porch. Furn. Shed. 11 miles to bch & Massey’s Landing public boat ramp. $75,000 (2008834) Lot Rent $495/mt.

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

EMAIL

– RealEstate@SEABOVA.com

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