Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 34, No.7

inside

THIS ISSUE

EDITOR Marj Shannon

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE Matty Brown

DESIGN AND LAYOUT Mary Beth Ramsey

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Tricia Massella

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 to the Editor (up to 300 words) are published at the discretion of the Editor on a space-available basis. Letters may be edited for length or clarity.

DISTRIBUTION Mark Wolf

CONTRIBUTORS: Ann Aptaker, Rich Barnett, Matty Brown, Ed Castelli, Pattie Cinelli, Wes Combs, Michael Cook, Jeffrey Dannis, Maribeth Fischer, Clarence Fluker, Michael Thomas Ford, Bill Fuchs, David Garrett, Joe Gfaller, Glenn Lash, Leslie Ledogar, Kim Leisey, Tricia Massella, Marce McCollum-Martin, Christopher Moore, Sharon Morgan, Eric Peterson, Mary Beth Ramsey, Stephen Raskauskas, Richard Rosendall, Nancy Sakaduski, Romeo San Vicente, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Marj Shannon, Beth Shockley, Leslie Sinclair, Eric Wahl

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

The inclusion or mention of any person, group, or business in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth does not, nor is it intended in any way, to imply sexual orientation or gender identity. The content of the columns are the views and opinions of the writers and may not indicate the position of CAMP Rehoboth, Inc.

© 2024 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved by CAMP Rehoboth. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any

Chad-Alan Carr at the Shades of Blue Pool Party. See page 4.

Corey Andrew

page

CAMP REHOBOTH MISSION STATEMENT AND PURPOSE

MISSION

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

VISION

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

PURPOSE

Promoting the health and wellness of our community through a variety of programs including HIV testing and counseling, mental health support, fitness classes, mindfulness classes, support for LGBTQ youth, and building community and support.

Promoting artistic expressions and creative thinking, and giving aid to artists and craftspeople with an emphasis on the works of LGBTQ people.

Advocating for our community to build a safe and inclusive community through voter information, education, and registration; and analysis of issues and candidates.

Education and outreach to the larger community, including sensitivity training seminars, and printed materials to promote positive images of LGBTQ people and our allies.

Networking resources and information by publishing a magazine, and functioning as an alternative tourist bureau and information center.

From the Editor

BY MARJ SHANNON, EDITOR

August?! Already? Yes, indeed. We have arrived at summer’s almost-end way too fast—don’t we always?

But there are compensations. For one, we get to see out the season in fine style with SUNFESTIVAL—what better way to celebrate all-things-summer? This big, joyous party offers laughs, music, dancing, and a fabulous auction—in short, a very good time awaits. See page 14 for the details.

There’s lots else in this issue, too. Sure, the Olympics had its gold medalists, but Letters has a Judge’s Choice Award winner among its contributors—see Rich Barnett’s tale of his big win at Delaware’s State Fair.

Speaking of fairs, Christopher Moore pays tribute to a fair staple—mustard— in his column. Hotdogs and pretzels just would not be the same without it—but pizza?! Meanwhile, Ed Castelli’s all-in with the mustard: see his recipe for Southern Egg Salad.

We are celebrating things other than Rich’s award in this issue, too. For one, there’s Maribeth Fischer’s about-to-launch new novel, A Season of Perfect Happiness. (Would that we all enjoy at least one of those seasons….) And for another, Michael Thomas Ford has made a (second) return-from-the-dead—yikes! Cue the applause, for sure.

Maybe you’re looking for ways to celebrate what remains of summer? We’re here for you! The CAMP Rehoboth Gallery is hosting the Delaware Division of the Arts Fellowship Winners XXIV exhibit—stop by and enjoy. And Clear Space Theatre, CAMP Rehoboth, and LHW Productions are partnering to workshop a new musical, Psyche, debuting in Rehoboth at the end of August. Joe Gfaller interviewed the show’s ace lyricist/librettist; see CAMP Arts for more.

Of course, we cover weightier topics, too. With Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) and Suicide Prevention Month (September) approaching, Sharon Morgan and Stephen Raskauskas, respectively, tackle those scourges. Both, sadly, have a disproportionate impact on our community. Learn something about how we all can help.

PRESIDENT Wesley Combs

VICE PRESIDENT Leslie Ledogar

SECRETARY Pat Catanzariti

TREASURER Polly Donaldson

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS

Amanda Mahony Albanese, Lewis Dawley, Mike DeFlavia, David Garrett, Jenn Harpel, Kim Leisey (non-voting), Michelle Manfredi, and Teri Seaton

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kim Leisey

CAMP REHOBOTH

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

CAMP

tax

and may be deducted to the fullest extent of the

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

Finally, perhaps you spied something different at the bottom of this page? That’s the “Opportunity Box,” which will appear in many upcoming issues. Each time, it will contain an invitation to contribute to Letters. Maybe you remember that we invited submissions of six-word memoirs back in March? The Box will contain similar invitations. We wanted invitations to appear in a designated, easy-to-find space. Opportunity #1 appears below—get writing!

The 2024 Bulwer-Lytton contest winners will be announced any day now! While it’s too late for you to enter the 2024 contest, we at Letters would love to see your (awful) sentences. Never heard of the B-L? Visit bulwer-lytton.com/submit (for guidance).

Please send to editor@camprehoboth.org and await the September issue….

Thank you, Partners!

CAMP

Rehoboth extends its gratitude to the many businesses (and one sports league!) that have supported its mission to create a more positive environment for all sexual orientations and gender identities in Rehoboth Beach and beyond. A total of $4,492 was donated across the entities pictured: DiFebo’s Restaurants and DiFebo’s Market ($2,150), Bin 66 ($937), Taco Reho ($655), and the DC Gay Flag Football League ($750).

CAMP Rehoboth Awarded Grants

I

n July, CAMP Rehoboth was awarded grant funds from both the Delaware Grant-In-Aid program and the Delaware Division the Arts. These grants fund CAMP Rehoboth’s arts, wellness, and community building programs.

Through the Grant-In-Aid program, CAMP Rehoboth was awarded $38,000 for the fiscal year 2025. These funds will support programs like yoga, tai chi, and discussion groups, and will aid development of strategic priorities like supporting LGBTQ+ seniors and youth.

The Delaware Division of the Arts awarded CAMP Rehoboth $37,030 for the next fiscal year. This award marks an increase from $19,000 last year. These funds help to support the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, visual arts and gallery exhibits, performing arts, and the monthly publication of Letters

“We are deeply appreciative of our elected officials who advocated for us. CAMP Rehoboth’s arts, wellness, and community programs are an important part of our culture and community at CAMP Rehoboth,” said Kim Leisey, PhD, Executive Director at CAMP Rehoboth. ▼

Partnering with Pridepower

CAMP Rehoboth is proud to announce its partnership with Pridepower, a part of the online learning center known as Kidpower. Pridepower is a course made by and for people who face greater risks of discrimination because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. It is also by and for people who support the LGBTQ+ community.

Navigating conversations around LGBTQ+ identities can sometimes be a challenge. Tips and written instructions are helpful, but Pridepower allows users to see and hear these conversations play out. Video examples include: “speaking up about a careless comment,” “helping a friend prepare to come out,” and “setting boundaries on invasive questions.”

Learn more and check out Pridepower’s videos at camprehoboth.org/camp-programs/ education-and-advocacy/. ▼

Shades of Blue Pool Party Breaks Records (Again!)

CAMP

Rehoboth thanks Mike DeFlavia, Tony Sowers, the 6 Futcher Pool Party Hosts, and all who attended the Shades of Blue fundraiser on July 5. This year, the pool party raised a total of $16,648, breaking last year’s record of $14,625. Now in its 12th year of raising funds for CAMP Rehoboth, this event keeps getting bigger and better—this year, there were more than 650 guests! ▼

Pictured below, clockwise: Laurie Thompson, Matt Castrina, Caroline Graefe, Matthew Merrill, Mark McDaniels, Megan Lundergan, Matt Castrina, Derrick Kelley, Laurie Thompson, Riley Quinn, Mark McDaniels, Billy Lucas, Laurie Thompson, Wes Combs, Paul Whitney.

Pictured: Scott Sarver, Mike DeFlavia, Marc Latulippe, Cristian Becker, Patrick Bosak, Dennis Konzelman, Mike Reimer, Noah Cohen, Tony Sowers, Lynden Armstrong, and Jeff Wilson.

Bear Weekend Fun Ahead

Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend is almost here! From Thursday, September 12, through Sunday, September 15, many activities are planned. Among them is the CAMP Rehoboth Grin and Bear It art exhibit, with a reception and happy hour planned for September 14, 3:00-5:00 p.m., at CAMP Rehoboth. Check out rehobothbeachbears.com for more information. ▼

CELEBRATE SUNFESTIVAL LABOR DAY WEEKEND

On August 31 and September 1, celebrate SUNFESTIVAL with headlining entertainment and globally renowned DJs. Comedian Joe Dombrowski will bring the laughs and tickle your funny bone, while DJs Robbie Leslie and Joe Gauthreaux will set the dance floor ablaze with disco and electronic favorites. Plus, a live auction is set to be one for the books. Check out page 14 to learn more—and visit camprehoboth.org/sunfestival to get your tickets before it’s too late. ▼

History Book Festival

TheHistory Book Festival will be held in Lewes September 27-29. This year’s line-up of more than 20 authors includes two books that CAMP Rehoboth is proud to partner in presenting: Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring by Brad Gooch, and Shadow Men: The Tangled Story of Murder, Media and Privilege That Scandalized Jazz Age America by James Polchin.

“CAMP Rehoboth is excited to once again partner with the History Book Festival. Tracking queer history from 1920s Jazz Age America to sharing the story of iconic American artist Keith Haring illustrates that the LGBTQ+ community has always been a fabric of American history. We hope you join us,” said Kim Leisey, PhD, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director.

For more information about the festival and this year’s lineup, visit historybookfestival.org/. ▼

TRAVELS WITH LETTERS

SPEAKOut

To the Editor:

I’ve proudly served as 14th District state representative for 22 years, truly appreciating the support I’ve received for bringing projects and services to the area. I loved being your state representative, and I care deeply about which candidate will succeed me.

I have endorsed Kathy McGuiness.

However, recently, a paid advertisement appeared in the Cape Gazette and Letters from CAMP Rehoboth praising my service and suggesting Claire Snyder-Hall as the ideal successor. While it seemed like a gesture of appreciation, it was not. It was a somewhat unethical political tactic to mislead voters and try to gain backing from my supporters.

More recently, Claire posted a years-old picture of us together on social media under the guise of congratulating me on my retirement. Many people contacted me, claiming that Claire was giving the false impression I supported her. While out and about I’ve been stopped by many voters claiming Claire is insinuating my support to Democratic primary voters. I find this behavior disingenuous.

I do not support Claire Snyder-Hall in this primary. She and I are not friends, and in fact she has spent years criticizing me, questioning my motives, and even writing a book where she attacks me. I don’t think voters want to elect someone who misleads them to get their vote.

So let me be clear. I’ve endorsed Kathy McGuiness to fill my seat when I retire Nov. 5. Kathy was born and raised here, knows the district, its people and issues. She has a lifetime of public service, having served 16 years as a Rehoboth Beach commissioner. Her constituent service is outstanding. I would feel very comfortable with Kathy succeeding me in Dover.

If you are a registered Democrat, please join me on Sept. 10, in voting for Kathy McGuiness. It would mean a lot to me. Thank you.

– Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf Speaker Emeritus, 14th Representative

District

Send letters to the editor to editor@camprehoboth.com

That’s Life!

LAVENDER FIELDS OUTSIDE AVIGNON FRANCE

Candice Zientek and Marilyn Miller

Rehoboth Chorus ALLIANCE, formerly known as the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Ensemble, is preparing for its September showcase, “That’s Life,” on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28 at 7:00 p.m., and September 29 at 3:00 p.m.

The concerts will celebrate the milestones of life, tracking the stages of love, fun, inspiration, nostalgia, and navigating life’s ups and downs. For the full scoop, visit page 88. ▼

From the Executive Director

Savor the Moment; Secure the Future

CAMP Rehoboth is buzzing with pre-SUNFESTIVAL preparations. Now more than ever we must take advantage of this opportunity to gather, laugh, and dance together—no matter your gender identity or sexual orientation. SUNFESTIVAL gives the queer community, our allies, and sponsors the opportunity to have a good time and raise funds for CAMP Rehoboth. The live auction items are fabulous, and we are deeply appreciative of those businesses and individuals who support our work and community.

CAMP Rehoboth is home to many members, friends, and visitors. We are a home that is safe and affirming. CAMP Rehoboth helped to change the culture of Rehoboth Beach from a town that scorned our community to one that affirms and lifts our community.

Over the past 13 months, I have observed many ways in which CAMP Rehoboth has helped to ensure that individuals’ lives are met with dignity and opportunity in southern Delaware. This past month we’ve been available to help people struggling with housing and food insecurity, support a family who moved to Delaware to ensure their nonbinary child is raised without shame and bullying, facilitate access to bereavement services, and consult with health care systems about the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Each month CAMP Rehoboth offers programs that promote well-being, learning, appreciation of the arts, and opportu-

nities to socialize. Our partnerships with over 30 organizations have ensured that CAMP Rehoboth has a solid reputation and the trust of many throughout Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region. Elected officials and those who are running for office often reach out to CAMP Rehoboth

BY KIM LEISEY, PHD

for education and consultation related to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community in southern Delaware. Our work with Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Police Departments, and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, creates opportunities for enhanced understanding and safety.

I’m moving through my 13th month at CAMP Rehoboth. My intentions the first year included time and space to assess, listen, appreciate, and become familiar with the unfamiliar. I’ve tried to make those intentions reality and we all know that the first year in any new job is unpredictable as we learn what we don’t know. The recalibration of some systems and structures is preparing us for what’s to come as we work our mission, vision, and strategic plan.

In the meantime, we’ve also been “making it happen.” The staff at CAMP Rehoboth, small and mighty as we are, works with integrity and in the very best interest of our community every single

day. Our Board of Directors has been working to become the best asset it can be to the staff of CAMP Rehoboth. The finance and development committees have work plans, and the governance committee is reviewing and retooling policies. Our Board of Directors is active, engaged, and setting the north star for our future.

We are pleased that recent grant awards include state funding for continuing renovations at 37 and 39 Baltimore Avenue, Delaware Division of the Arts support for our arts programs (including Letters), and state funds to support our popular well-being programs. Additional applications for funding are in process. As we plan, we must ensure that our infrastructure can support our future work as we reach out to those who are silent and struggling outside of Rehoboth Beach.

Thirteen months ago, I felt this place and the people in my heart. I still do. Fighting for your individual and collective dignity is what drives us. The freedom to be unapologetically you is what makes our staff and volunteers show up and work every single day. We appreciate all that you do to help us help others. We are one heart—the heart of the LGBTQ+ community. We have more to do. Please join us, now. ▼

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

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

We partnered with:

Amazon

Bin 66

DiFebo’s Restaurants

DiFebo’s Market

DirtyApples Salon

2 0 2 4 THANK YOU TO OUR We raised more than $26,000!

Dogfish Head in Rehoboth

Dogfish Head Brewery

Downtown Blues

Good Vibes Tiki Cruise

Spark’d at the Hotel Du Pont

Taco Reho

President’s View

Giving Back Fuels the Soul

People I have not seen in a while routinely ask, “Are you retired?” I respond, “No, I am a Social Impact Coach for people seeking to create an intentional approach to giving back in the world.”

They often reply, “I just assumed you had retired based on your social media posts featuring the nonprofits you support. What motivates you to get involved?” For years, my response has been, “It’s just how I am wired.”

As long as I can remember, helping others in need has been a priority in my life. I am particularly drawn to support causes that have a personal connection. For example, fighting for LGBTQ equality stems from discrimination I faced in college and in the workplace because of my sexual orientation. Ensuring there is a trusted source for news and information is why I donate to WAMU, Washington, DC’s NPR station.

Simply put, contributing my time, talent, and treasure to help others not only gives me purpose, it also fuels my soul. Whether it is volunteering to serve on the CAMP Rehoboth Board, donating to causes dear to my heart, or being a mentor for college graduates who are recipients of a Posse Foundation scholarship, they all have one thing in common: their missions align with my values and interests.

Spoiler alert: It took me more than 10 years to create my philanthropic roadmap. At first, choosing to get involved was not a methodical process; it was more like finding a shiny penny and picking it up. If a friend asked me to donate to a cause or join them when volunteering, I often agreed.

Over time, I realized it was not sustainable to always say “yes”—my financial resources and spare time were limited. Focusing on what really mattered to me meant saying “no” sometimes. Eventually, this trial-anderror approach helped inform my decision-making process, but the lack of a clear social impact “strategy” meant

some of those early “yeses” lead to engagements I did not find fulfilling. As the old saying goes, “life is too short to do the things you don’t love doing.”

As the old saying goes, “life is too short to do the things you don’t love doing.”

I hear too many stories about how people retire, have no clear purpose, and end up driving their other half crazy. On the flip side, there are many success stories all around us—people with a passion for public service who find a nonprofit match that is right for them.

Speaking with many of the volunteers at CAMP Rehoboth, this is a common theme motivating them to donate their time. Whether they are CAMPcierges, help with our landscaping needs as part of the Rainbow Thumb Club, offer testing or counseling services, or join the Women’s FEST and SUNFESTIVAL committees, they say, “I wanted to give back to my community

BY WESLEY

and spending a few hours a week at CAMP is a perfect way to do it.”

My friend Gary Seiden is a retired dentist and is one of the biggest golden retriever lovers anywhere on this earth. When looking for a way to give back in the Rehoboth area, he wanted to align the affection for his dog, Max, with volunteer work. So, he got Max certified as a therapy animal. Together they visit senior living facilities, bringing joy and comfort to the residents. “It warms my heart to see someone’s eyes light up when Max comes into the room. I can tell his presence makes a positive impact on them.”

Village Volunteers (VV) is a local organization doing great work to support seniors in our community. Their mission is simple: helping older adults live independently. With more than 160 volunteers, VV provides a member up to 25 hours of support per week. “Support” ranges widely, from driving people to doctors’ appointments to running errands for those unable to leave the house.

Board President Steuart Martens shared why he loves being a part of VV: “I can only play so much golf.” Last week his assignment was to take a 99-year-old member to the hairdresser. “Being with her was like spending time with my mom. We had a wonderful time and it feels good if I can help someone else for at least a few minutes a day.“

I recently started reading Michael Clinton’s book Roar: into the second half of your life (before it’s too late). It’s described as “an inspiring guidebook that will help you achieve your dreams and get more out of life—whether or not retirement is in your future plans.” The book is a quick read and presents an approachable perspective on ways to get the most out of life. I highly recommend it. ▼

Wesley Combs is CAMP Rehoboth Board President.

Vice President’s View

Priorities & Progress & YOU

This column is a sort of public service announcement about Delaware bills that have recently passed or have recently been implemented. Readers may not yet be familiar with them, but the bills may have a direct impact on them and their families. Initiatives like the ones described below demonstrate that it is incumbent upon each of us to get out and vote for Congresspeople and representatives who will help us help ourselves and our families every day.

Paying for Reproductive Health Care

Take, for instance, access to reproductive health care. Last year, Delaware became one of many states that made abortion legal and safeguarded physicians who perform this health care procedure. But what was not included in that legislation was the all-important response to the question, how does one pay for such a procedure?

This year, with just days left in the legislative session, the Delaware General Assembly reduced financial barriers for people covered by Medicaid, private insurance, and state insurance plans, thereby helping to break down socioeconomic barriers and racial disparities in reproductive care across our state.

Helping Curb Hunger in School-aged Children

Contrary to the adage “there is no free lunch,” the Delaware Legislature passed a bill that extends free lunch to children and families who qualify for reducedprice meals. Any parent, regardless of sexual identity or orientation, wants to be able to put food in their children’s stomachs. We all know the negative effects that hunger has on a child’s ability to concentrate and learn.

This bill is a great first step toward ensuring that all Delaware students have a learning environment in which they are fed and cared for. It is part of a larger initiative towards guaranteeing universal

free lunch for all students, which is a fight that is ongoing in Delaware.

Getting a Second Chance—Mandatory, No-cost Expungement

As of August 1, 2024, the Clean Slate website is up and running. The Clean Slate initiative implements a 2021 law that applies to all Delaware records eligible for mandatory expungement—regardless

It’s not by chance that these pieces of legislation…have been enacted in Delaware.

Rather, it’s because of a purposeful and concerted effort by voters like you.

of a person's race or wealth—by providing greater equity, consistency, and cost-effectiveness through a streamlined, automated process.

According to our friends at the ACLU, of the nearly 400,000 people living with a record in Delaware, 290,000 are eligible for mandatory expungement. Having one’s record expunged (wiped clean) can help break down barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities, enabling individuals to participate fully in social and civic community life.

BY LESLIE LEDOGAR

So, what does the mandatory expungement process look like? Here's a quick overview:

• Identify eligible records: Beginning on August 1, the Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) identifies records in the Delaware Criminal Records database that fit the mandatory expungement eligibility criteria.

• Process eligible records: DELJIS sends batches of records that meet the mandatory expungement eligibility requirements to the Delaware State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

• Expungement process: SBI manually reviews each record identified by DELJIS to confirm eligibility and then expunges eligible records. Once expunged, the record will still exist for law enforcement agencies, but the state will no longer provide the record in response to public background checks.

Folks may learn if their record is eligible or has been expunged by visiting a court prothonotary office and using the public access terminal to view any remaining records. Public access terminals will only provide information about adult records. Folks can also request a certified criminal history from SBI to view any remaining records— though this option requires payment of a $72 fingerprinting fee.

For consolidated, accessible, and accurate information about the implementation process, visit CleanSlateDe. org—a comprehensive digital tool for expungement-related information, events, and resources.

It’s not by chance that these pieces of legislation and others like them have been enacted in Delaware. Rather, it’s because of a purposeful and concerted effort by voters like you. This year’s primary is September 10, and early, in-person voting runs from August 28 through September 9. ▼

Leslie

Ledogar is CAMP Rehoboth Board Vice President.

Thank You, Josh!

CAMPsafe Program Coordinator Josh Sheets is embarking on a new and exciting journey and will leave his role on September 1. Josh’s dedication, compassion, and expertise have touched many lives and made a significant impact on the well-being of the community. CAMP Rehoboth celebrates his contributions and wishes him great success in his future endeavors. Join us in thanking Josh for his unwavering commitment to HIV care and to our community! ▼

Give the Gift of Blood

CAMPRehoboth is partnering with the Blood Bank of Delmarva for another blood drive on Friday, September 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This partnership follows last year’s news of the FDA lifting its ban on the ability for men who have sex with men (MSMs) to donate blood, and two prior blood drives (November 2023 and February 2024). For more information on updates to the donor questionnaire, visit delmarvablood.org/ida/.

CAMP Rehoboth encourages all community members to help respond to the Blood Emergency, as defined by the Blood Bank of Delmarva as an urgent need for donors due to dangerously low levels of O+, O-, B-, and platelets. Register online at camprehoboth.org.  ▼

CROP Supports the RAL Cottage Tours

For the second year, two teams of CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program (CROP) volunteers participated as docents for the annual two-day Rehoboth Art League Cottage Tour. CROP’s assigned home was the lovely townhome of Martin Thaler and Stephen Schmidt—a true “New England coastal cottage.” The home featured antiques, artwork by local and (and non-local) artists, and an entire wall of Martin’s sketches and drawings of his costume designs in various mediums—one of which won a Tony in 2023!

Rehoboth Art League appreciated CAMP Rehoboth's support. CROP’s participation also helped meet CAMP Rehoboth’s goal to provide outreach to the community at large, as a total of 723 patrons visited the home. ▼

CROP Tuesday Team.

AIDS Walk Team

OnSaturday, September 21, CAMP Rehoboth will be a participating team at the annual AIDS Walk in Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach. AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium organize and jointly present the event. This year’s Walk—the 38th annual AIDS Walk—coincides with the International Day of Peace.

The Walk is the state’s oldest and largest HIV/ AIDS fundraising and awareness event. Funds raised help provide free, rapid HIV testing, medical case management services, HIV-specific mental health counseling, HIV/PrEP education and prevention programs, housing assistance, and transportation services. As of June 2024, there were 3,993 people in Delaware with HIV, with 60 new cases reported so far this year.

As a partner HIV service organization, CAMP Rehoboth will benefit from funds raised for its team. Visit camprehoboth.org to join CAMP Rehoboth’s team. Participants who raise more than $35 will receive a t-shirt.

Besides fundraising, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for the Walk and make the event a big success. Visit camprehoboth.org/ volunteers to view and sign up for the walk’s volunteer needs. ▼

CAMP Rehoboth’s Community Agreements CAMP

Rehoboth has established community agreements to help create safe, welcoming, and affirming spaces for the LGBTQ+ and ally community across all of its programs, services, activities, and events— this is how all are asked to show up!

Guidelines cover topics such as setting boundaries, respecting pronouns, fostering inclusivity, and protecting privacy. These agreements help support CAMP Rehoboth’s mission to Create A More Positive (CAMP) environment inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities in southern Delaware and beyond.

You can read the full agreements at camprehoboth.org/about-us. ▼

Pictured:

Join CAMP Rehoboth’s

The Action Packed Nights of

Buckle Up, Buttercup: A Night of Comedy

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

An elementary school teacher, a newlywed, and a SUNFESTIVAL headliner walk into a bar. The bartender says, “Nice to meet you, Joe Dombrowski.”

Joe Dombrowski’s rise to fame was triggered by his class clown hijinks. One April Fool’s Day he gave his students a bogus spelling test, doling out the words and sentences with appropriate gravitas: “The next word is ‘speekoo.’ Look! There’s a ‘speekoo’!” And then providing the “correct” spelling: “S-p-e-e-k-u-z-s-l-m-n.” Answering the students’ groans with the explanation, “There’s silent letters at the end of that one.”

Now, Joe Dombrowski drills into his g-g-g-GAY family dynamics for comic gold, and through his popular Social Studies podcast, he has addressed bad dates, glitter bombs, and TikTok cults, all while managing a jam-packed tour schedule. Now he’s looking forward to visiting one place he’s never been: Rehoboth Beach.

Corey Andrew will provide a musical interlude to kick-off Saturday’s events. Corey has made it his trademark to deliver soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and a distinct musical presence since the release of his debut, soul-influenced rock album, We’re All Stars

A Grab Your Passport, Excite Your Tastebuds, Hit the Road Kind of Live Auction*

Two DJs for One Ticket: A Night of Dance SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

The SUNFESTIVAL Night of Dance will feature two world-class DJ/ Producers, in a NY club-style atmosphere, right here in the transformed Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. First up will be a bona fide legend in the music industry, DJ/Remixer/ Producer Robbie Leslie. Robbie has been performing on the international circuit for 40 years.

Second up is another legend and returning favorite, Joe Gauthreaux

Recognized by the circuit industry with awards, Joe Gauthreaux has performed at clubs and parties for over 25 years, headlining major events and circuit weekends. All this and some surprises that will take the dance party to a new level. Don’t miss it!  ▼

Saturday night will also feature auctioneer Lorne Crawford, who will oversee the exciting SUNFESTIVAL live auction and keep the evening moving in style. Get ready to check something off your bucket list.

JUST SAY “OUI” TO GAY PARIS (7-Night Stay + Two Business-Class Airfare Tickets)

Experience the City of Love with this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Gay Pa-ree. You and a guest will soak up the Parisian atmosphere at The Westin Paris - Vendôme, a historic 4-star hotel ideally located in the heart of Paris. Includes United Airlines Polaris-Business Class service to Paris from any United Airlines gateway on the East Coast. Donated by Danny Sebright.

DINE AROUND

THE WORLD

(without Leaving Rehoboth Beach)

Restaurant Gift Certificates

You don’t have to leave Rehoboth to enjoy some of the best food in the world.

This exceptional package features gift cards from some of Rehoboth’s best restaurants. Donors include 1776 Steakhouse, Ava’s Hospitality Group, Cultured Pearl, DiFebo’s Restaurants & Market, Eden Restaurant, Henlopen City Oyster House, Indigo Indian Cuisine, Mariachi Restaurant, Sirocco, and SoDel Concepts.

2025

PRAGUE AND DANUBE RIVER CRUISE FOR TWO (September 3-12, 2025)

Be pampered on the brand-new Amadeus Nova (154 guests) for an LGBTQ+, all-inclusive, guaranteed full-ship charter adventure. After two deluxe days in Prague, you and your guest will cruise the Danube from picturesque Passau to Melk, Vienna, and Bratislava, culminating in the vibrant Hungarian city of Budapest, one of Europe’s hottest destinations. Donated by Brand g Vacations.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN CRUISE FOR 2 ON AVALON WATERWAYS

Bask in the sun, explore historic cities, or enjoy top-notch service while sipping a glass of wine on deck, surrounded by amazing vistas. Choose from a variety of

SUNFESTIVAL 2024

itineraries in Europe, Asia, or Southeast Asia on the award-winning river cruise line, Avalon Waterways, through our presenting sponsor, Accent on Travel. Donated by Accent on Travel.

ORIGINAL ARTWORK by

Murray Archibald

With a working title of Set Love Free, this 36”x36” museum profile canvas (to be unveiled closer to the event) is sure to make a bold and beautiful statement wherever you hang it—so start looking now for that perfect place. Donated by artist and CAMP Rehoboth co-founder Murray Archibald.

DREAMS ONYX PUNTA CANA RESORT & SPA, OLIVIA VACATION FOR TWO

(October 25-November 1, 2025)

Relax in your spacious suite (with private hot tub), enjoy the Unlimited Luxury® experience at 12 restaurants and 11 bars, exciting land and water sports (including a water park with water slides), five pools and lazy rivers, a world-class spa, Olivia’s signature programming, and Camp-O, the joy of camp with a luxurious twist. Donated by Olivia Travel.

7- DAY 2025 PUERTO VALLARTA LGBTQ+ EXPERIENCE FOR 2 (High Season Stay)

You and a guest will enjoy a Grand Almar Hydrobath and Terrace full-ocean-

view room at Almar Resort, the premier adults-only, LGBTQ+-friendly resort in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, with top-tier amenities, including beach club and sky bars, an Olympic-sized infinity pool, oceanfront cabanas, top-notch DJ parties, gay shows, and a first-class spa. Donated by Andy Staton & Patrick Saparito.

ANCHEER

SUNSHINE 26” ELECTRIC BIKE FOR ADULTS

Explore new trails, expand your routes, and have more cycling fun. The ANCHEER Sunshine is a perfect blend of trail performance and power. Kick in one of five levels of pedal assist to meet your needs. With a removable 48V/374Wh battery, you can pedal assist to 40-50 miles per charge using the low pedal assist level. Donated by Jon Kaplan. ▼

Special thanks to presenting sponsor Accent on Travel.

*See complete descriptions with limitations and exclusions at camprehoboth.org.

CAMP Rehoboth is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment for all participants. If you plan on attending SUNFESTIVAL and have needs related to accessibility, please contact accessibility@camprehoboth.com.

Murray Archibald

It’s My Life

Affairs of the Heart

Idied the other day. Because this was a repeat occurrence, I was a little casual about it all. As Shirley Jackson famously said, regarding being pregnant with her third child, “It's the easiest because it's the funniest, because you've been there twice, and you know.”

Admittedly, this was only my second time dying. But the point stands.

The first time I died was about 18 months ago. That time, things were a little more dramatic. I didn’t know what to expect, and the doctor overseeing the event said, “It’s going to feel a little weird.”

This time, a different doctor said, “At some point during this, you might start to panic. Just focus on your breathing, okay? I’ll talk you through it.”

“I’m fine,” I told him. “Can I watch myself flatline on the monitor?”

I didn’t get to watch the first time. For obvious reasons, they turn the monitor away from you right before they kill you. Apparently, it’s upsetting to the patient.

They did let me watch this time. It was a slow night, and I think everyone was a little bored. Also, I had walked into the ER and very calmly told the young lady at the front desk, “I’m having an SVT. It’s been going on for about four hours. They’re going to need to use adenosine on me.”

Which is exactly what they did. After injecting it into my IV port, we all waited while the drug made its way to my heart, which took about 15 seconds. Then the heart monitor on the telemetry unit stopped beating, the line on the screen went flat, and a few seconds later the “It’s going to feel a little weird” thing happened.

It’s hard to describe the sensation. Everything gets kind of shimmery for a short time and you get a tickle in your nose. Mostly I was watching the monitor to see if, now stopped, my heart would switch back on. It did. The machine chirped. A nurse high-fived me and said, “Good job.”

The whole thing took less than a minute. And it could have gone differently. But it didn’t.

I know I didn’t actually die. I mean, I did. Technically. But I was awake through the whole thing. And that’s really the only part that kind of freaks me out about these incidents. My heart was stopped. But there I was, thinking about how my heart was stopped, talking to a doctor about how my heart was stopped, and watching a monitor to see when my stopped heart started up again and I wouldn’t be technically dead anymore.

The first time I died was about 18 months ago. That time, things were a little more dramatic.

And that’s really weird. I remember, as a kid, hearing that after being separated from the body (say, by a guillotine in France circa 1794) a head could still see and think and be very much aware that it was perhaps rolling across the grass or staring up at a crowd of cheering faces. And every fall when we turned some of the chickens we raised into residents of Freezer City, I saw fowl flop around for a while after my father played executioner, their heads watching, bemused, from the stump.

I know from CPR training that human brain cells start to die after about 5 minutes without oxygenated blood. And a little poking around online tells me that there is “no measurable, meaningful brain activity” within 2 to 20 seconds following the stopping of the heart. That doesn’t seem like much time. But I suspect that it’s long enough to think, “This is not really how I wanted to end my day.”

As I mentioned, it was slow in the ER the night I went in, and I had to stay for

BY MICHAEL THOMAS FORD

a few hours while they did bloodwork to see if my heart sustained any damage. The doctor on duty, thrilled to have someone to talk to, came in and out a lot. He remarked several times how unusually calm I’d been about the whole thing. I asked him how people usually responded.

“There’s often a lot of crying,” he said. “They think they’re dying. Adding the whole ‘I’m going to stop and restart your heart’ aspect to it usually doesn’t help.”

I asked him about the guillotine thing.

“What?” he said. “Why would you even think about that?”

“Marie Antoinette,” I said. “Chickens. Oh, and when I was a kid one of our neighbors accidentally cut off his own head with a chainsaw. It hit a nail in a log and bounced up. One of the older kids on the bus said the guy’s head probably sat on the ground wondering what had happened. If my heart hadn’t started up again, how long would it have been until I stopped thinking about it?”

“I’m going to go do your discharge paperwork,” he said.

Anyway, I’ve died twice now. Next month I see a cardiologist to find out why this keeps happening. My primary care doctor warned me that they might deliberately try to induce an SVT (officially a supraventricular tachycardia, which I have come to describe to people as “a heart attack if you ordered it from Wish”) to see what’s going on, and that they might need to do the adenosine trick again.

“That’s fine,” I told him. “It will be the third time, and the third time is the easiest because it's the funniest, because you've been there twice, and you know.”

“That’s a good line,” he said. “No wonder you’re a writer.” ▼

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

Do you tinkle when you laugh, sneeze, cough, or exercise?

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Do you sometimes just can’t get to the bathroom quick enough?

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Do you notice blood in your urine?

Do you feel pain when you start to go to the bathroom?

Is your worry starting to take over your daily life?

Brandywine Urology Consultant’s Dr. Alice Y. Wang, MD, is Fellowship trained in Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery who, depending on your symptoms, can provide a variety of treatment options ranging from lifestyle changes, minimally invasive treatments or surgical operations. Dr. Wang is accepting male and female patients in all three offices. Please contact the office today to schedule your conversation with Dr. Wang.

Brandywine Urology Consultants, Delaware’s leading urological practice, delivers comprehensive urological solutions for men and women enabling them to remain in Delaware throughout the duration of their treatment. Brandywine Urology Consultants team of Surgeons and Advanced Practice Providers specializes in urinary cancer care, reproductive and sexual health, bladder and kidney dysfunction, chronic urinary tract infections and prostate health.

Dr. Alice Y. Wang, MD

CAMP Library Chronicles

Famous Firsts

“Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you’re not the last.” – SHYAMALA GOPALAN HARRIS

Last week Barbara Ralph graciously donated books from her collection to CAMP Rehoboth’s Library. What to my wondering eyes did appear but a treasure (see photo). Aha! A topic for this month’s article: “Firsts.”

The “first” that I am most proud of originated at 212 Laurel Street in Rehoboth: Naiad Press. Allow Rehoboth Beach’s First Lady of Comedy, Fay Jacobs, to elaborate: “Naiad Press was specifically the first to be founded as a press for lesbian/feminist literature.” The Latecomer (1974) was their first offering. Sarah Aldridge (pen name of Anyda Marchant) and Muriel Crawford, life partners of 57 years, co-founded Naiad Press along with partners Barbara Grier and Donna McBride. Their home “…is still standing pretty much as it was. The front porch was where they held their Saturday Salons.” First rate—thanks Fay!

VOLUNTEER

spotlight

Michael Fishman: SUNFESTIVAL Volunteer

BY MARCE MCCOLLUM-MARTIN

CR: So, Michael, tell us… How long have you been experiencing Rehoboth Beach?

MF: My very first visit was the summer of 1992. I was totally hooked, with holiday weekends every summer, until 2000—when I decided to buy a second home (thinking I would never recoup that money and it would be a

BY GLENN LASH

L Certainly, Radclyffe Hall’s The Well of Loneliness (1928) is known to all. How about the first lesbian detective: A Reason to Kill (1978) by Eve Zaremba. Katherine V. Forrest’s Curious Wine (1983) broke ground in terms of understanding lesbian partnerships.

G Acknowledged as America’s first gay novel is Joseph and His Friend (1870) by Bayard Taylor. The first to feature a happy conclusion was Imre: A Memorandum (1906) by Edward Prime-Stevenson. For an unabashedly, full-throttle-gay-life one had to wait for Gordon Merrick’s The Lord Won’t Mind (1970).

B In 1948, Gore Vidal wrote The Pillar and the City, in which he described bisexuality as the “natural” human state. Yet 29 years prior, the first bisexual character appeared in Bertram Cope’s Year by Henry Fuller. The protagonist ends up being the love interest of both a male and a female well-meaning objector.

T 1928 saw the publication of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando. Consider though, Stone Butch Blues (1993) by Leslie Feinberg. Supremely showing just how intricate a transgender life is.

Q There is a myriad of titles considered queer and I encourage you, dear reader, to explore every title CAMP Rehoboth’s Library has to offer! ▼

Glenn Lash is Library Coordinator at CAMP Rehoboth.

terrible investment!). That purchase made me realize how much I needed an escape from everyday life, even if only for long weekends. In other words, Rehoboth Beach became my happy place. CR: When did you start volunteering with CAMP Rehoboth?

MF: I finally got involved post-pandemic after being asked by Chris Beagle for years to jump on board. (He’s persistent!) We currently work on the SUNFESTIVAL guest experience from an audio-visual perspective. Given that so many people close out their summer here, much of the focus is on the six-hour dance to create a different vibe from other venues at the beach. It’s a special night, where Murray created so many unforgettable visual experiences over many years. Now, Chris and I are trying to mix it up a little each year with an energetic space to create one last memory of summer ‘CAMP’ in Rehoboth Beach. This year is going to be a blast and fun for everyone!

CR: What’s your favorite season and why?

MF: Summer! Being outside in fresh air with a bright sky at 9:00 p.m. is the best. Super long days of sunshine. Cocktails and dinner outside. Friends with pools. Sunrise sitting in the sand at ocean’s edge. And of course, the energy that summer brings to Rehoboth Beach with friends from all over.

CR: What do you most value in friendship?

MF: Without a doubt, laughter! It’s a mood-lifter and a memory maker for me. I admit there are times I need to lighten up a bit (forever a terribly misunderstood introvert)…and my friends with a sense of humor can make that happen in a matter of seconds. A very close second trait would be kindness. ▼

Marce McCollum-Martin is a member of the CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Development Committee (VDC).

h . c o m / d o n a t e .

T h e r e a r e a n u m b e r o f w a y s y o u c a n u s e p l a n n e d

g i v i n g t o b u i l d c h a r i t a b l e g i v i n g i n t o y o u r l i f e p l a n s ,

e v e n a f t e r d e a t h . S o m e c a n e v e n h e l p y o u l o w e r y o u r

t a x a b l e i n c o m e n o w ! C o n s i d e r p l a n n i n g a h e a d n o w a n d

e x p l o r e s o m e o f t h e s e w a y s f o r g i v i n g a f t e r l i f e :

B e q u e s t

P l a n n e d G i f t

L i f e I n s u r a n c e

Q u a l i f i e d R e t i r e m e n t P l a n

ESTATE AND LIFE ESTATE AND LIFE INCOME GIFTS INCOME GIFTS

A c h a r i t a b l e g i f t f r o m y o u r e s t a t e i s a

f a v o r e d m e t h o d o f g i v i n g t h a t e n a b l e s

y o u t o a c h i e v e y o u r f i n a n c i a l g o a l s a n d

b e n e f i t C A M P R e h o b o t h .

MATCHING GIFT MATCHING GIFT

M a t c h i n g g i f t s a r e a g r e a t w a y

t o e n h a n c e y o u r g i f t t o C A M P

R e h o b o t h . P l e a s e c h e c k w i t h

y o u r c o m p a n y ’ s h u m a n

r e s o u r c e s d e p a r t m e n t t o

d e t e r m i n e i f y o u r c o m p a n y

o f f e rs m a t c h i n g g i f t s .

I f y o u a r e 7 0 ½ y e a r s o f a g e o r

o l d e r , a t r a n s f e r f r o m a n I R A m a y

b e a b e n e f i c i a l w a y t o s u p p o r t

C A M P R e h o b o t h .

Out & About

A Midwinter Night’s Scream

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, the fact that it’s an election year likely has not escaped you. Every four years, it seems that every other ad is for a political candidate, especially if you’re “lucky” enough to live in one of a handful of swing states. (I’m being both sarcastic and sincere— on the one hand, I’m sure the political season can be really annoying for those folks, but on the other, having your vote actually count must be nice.) Every day brings new sound bites, polls, and talking heads willing to dissect them all. Living in Washington, DC, politics are our home team sports, and I will confess that I used to enjoy the intrigue of it all. That was before Project 2025 and credible threats to democracy itself gave me stress rashes and insomnia. And still, I can’t seem to stop following the news.

And there’s a lot of news to follow. Between an assassination attempt, the President withdrawing from the race, the Democrats miraculously coalescing around a new candidate in a matter of days, and the largest single-day fundraising haul ever, July 2024 was one for the history books. And the unprecedented nature of this campaign seems to show no signs of slowing down.

Often, when I can pull myself away from the news alerts that blow up my phone on an hourly basis, I like to reflect on simpler times. Many times this past month, I’ve been reflecting on the election that took place 20 years ago, back in 2004.

It was America’s 55th presidential election, and George W. Bush was the incumbent Republican President. Though he had lost the popular vote to Al Gore in 2000, the country had rallied around him in an unusual display of unity after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Since then, he had invaded both Afghanistan and Iraq, based on claims that both Democrats and most of the United Nations found a little suspicious (and no, we never found those WMDs).

So, despite his 90 percent approval ratings in late 2001, there was a real chance to unseat the Bush/Cheney administration in 2004. Our eventual nominee, John Kerry, wasn’t quite able to close the deal. On election night, he won 251 electoral votes, but had to concede to Bush, who took 286.

John Kerry was, to put it mildly, not the most exciting political figure. Vaguely reminiscent of Ichabod Crane without the tricornered hat, he touted his service during the Vietnam War as a contrast to Bush’s time hanging out

Over the next four days, the “Dean scream” was played 633 times on national news networks and cable news channels.

in the Texas Air National Guard, 9,200 miles from active combat. But the Republicans were just getting good at turning their opponent’s chief strengths into their primary weaknesses, and assembled a group ironically called the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, who proceeded to tell a bunch of lies about Kerry’s record, which was truly heroic, and painted him as a coward under fire.

But as outrageous as that tactic was, it pales in my memory to the much bigger scandal of the 2004 election. I’m talking, of course, about the scream.

The Democrats might have won in 2004 if their candidate had possessed the kind of charisma needed to withstand one disgraceful lie after another, present a compelling counter-narrative, and prosecute the case against the liars. That candidate might have been Howard Dean, former governor of Vermont and early front-runner in the 2004 primaries. He was charming, articulate,

BY ERIC C. PETERSON

and possessed of a fighting spirit while still being the guy you’d like to share the proverbial beer with.

That all ended on January 19, 2004. He had placed a surprise third in the Iowa caucuses, and his supporters were jubilant at his strong showing. At a rally in West Des Moines, the crowd was so noisy that Dean couldn’t hear his own voice coming out of the speakers. Clearly riding the wave of euphoria, he emitted what can only be called a wall of noise into the microphone. I’ve never heard a sperm whale in childbirth, but it probably sounds something like the infamous Dean scream. Over the next four days, the “Dean scream” was played 633 times on national news networks and cable news channels.

The scream itself was about three seconds long. And maybe he wouldn’t have won anyway (most historians agree on this point), but at the time, it felt like an accidental gaffe that ended a presidential campaign overnight.

It seems pretty mild compared to a guy who began his political career with racist attacks on the nation’s first Black president, and who has since been convicted of sexual assault and 34 felony counts of fraud, accused his opponent of “turning Black” a few years ago for political gain, openly mocked a reporter with disabilities, repeatedly invoked Hannibal Lecter on the campaign trail, proposed injecting bleach to end a global pandemic, referred to fellow Americans as “vermin,” and lest we forget, led a treasonous insurrection to reverse the results of the last election he lost.

But who knows? Perhaps 20 years from now, it will all seem slightly quaint. I sure hope not. (Psst…are you registered to vote?) ▼

Eric Peterson is Interim Managing Editor of Amble Press, a novelist (Loyalty, Love & Vermouth), and a diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner. Follow Eric on Threads at @ red7eric.

health+wellness

Go Ask Alice

…when she’s ten feet tall…

–GRACE SLICK

In 1971, the book Go Ask Alice was published, a supposed first-hand account of a 15-year-old who develops a drug addiction and embarks on a tragic journey of self-discovery. Although later acknowledged as fiction, the book remains a hallmark on teen angst and the slippery slope from experimentation and escapism into addiction. According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), addiction is a complex, chronic brain disease. Those suffering from addiction lose control over their actions, trying to feed an ever-increasing hunger with drugs, alcohol, or other substances. Sometimes the need is action-oriented, like those who suffer from a gambling or sex addiction. People will damage friendships, ruin families, and lose jobs, all to feed the beast. A common misconception is that addictive behavior is a choice, but NIH researchers have shown the addicted brain has hijacked and even destroyed key brain regions that help humans survive.

A healthy brain rewards behaviors to encourage repeat actions. Conversely, a healthy brain pushes the body to quickly get out of harm’s way. When the brain is introduced to addictive substances, that normal pleasure/reward circuit can be commandeered, so that the body seeks to have more of what is ultimately destructive. With continued exposure, substances also can destroy the prefrontal cortex, which helps distinguish healthy from harmful.

Scientists are unsure why some people develop addictions and others don’t. Addictive behaviors tend to run in families and specific genes have been linked to certain addictions. Social factors also play a part. Growing up in an ad-

dictive household, early physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, and high stress environments can all contribute to addiction.

Abuse, addiction, and overdoses are not a 21st century problem. Evidence of grape growing for wine has existed since 7000 BCE and the poppy—the source of opium—was cultivated as early as 3400 BCE. By the first century BCE, literature was dotted with cautionary tales of excess and abuse. As exploration, trade, and colonial expansionism occurred worldwide, governments throughout the 15th-19th centuries viewed addictive substances as both a source of revenue through taxation and a societal challenge to be limited or prohibited.

Drug policies not only were used to address health concerns but were also used as a means of targeting certain ethnic groups. One of the earliest US drug laws, the San Francisco Opium Den Ordinance of 1875, targeted traditional Chinese communities. Late 19th century African immigrants were also vilified as the source of the cocaine influx into the Americas. By the beginning of the 20th century, the societal roots for addiction and general research to better understand the effects of substances on the body began to take hold.

While the scientific community was interested in overall chemical effects on the body, they were also looking for synthetic versions of morphine to meet legitimate pain issues. Legislatively, the 1914 Harrison Narcotic Act mandated increased record-keeping for physicians and pharmacists who dispense narcotics. Up through the early 1960s, however, overall research on narcotic and substance abuse languished.

The political and social upheaval of the 1960s saw a commensurate rise in the use of illicit

BY SHARON MORGAN

drugs. Under the Nixon Administration, the war on drugs began. In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act was signed into law, classifying drugs into five

Naloxone, the opioid reversal drug, has proven indispensable in reducing overdose deaths.

“schedules,” rated by medical benefits and potential for abuse. The classifications, however, were based more on stigma and fear than science. The Drug Enforcement Administration was created, and overall federal policing control was bolstered. The following decade saw the Reagan Administration’s “just say no” policy efforts and increased federal and state incarcerations.

Despite legal efforts to stem drug abuse, overdose deaths have increased steadily since the 1950s. No one event, however, has had a bigger impact on drug access and misuse than the 1995 approval of the semi-synthetic opioid OxyContin®. Because it is time released, the Food and Drug Administration granted approval for use, believing the drug to be a safer alternative to narcotics for pain relief.

However, over the next decade, evidence mounted that its maker, Purdue Pharma, used misleading or fraudulent data to aggressively market the drug. By then, the first wave of opioid related deaths was well entrenched, followed by the renewal of heroin and the proliferation of synthetic narcotics, such as fentanyl. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 1999, just under 20,000 people died from an opioid-related overdose. By 2022, that number had ballooned to over 107,000 annually. Delaware does not fare well in state statistics at 55 deaths per 100,000 population: only two states and DC rank higher in overdose deaths.

According to the Commonwealth Fund, the US leads industrialized nations

related to all overdose deaths, with the US overdose death rate 22 percent higher than the next ranked country, Scotland. Many of these countries have instituted risk reduction strategies that are limited or non-existent in the US.

In most countries highlighted in the Commonwealth Fund study, over 50 percent of those needing substance use disorder (SUD) treatments had access to them, as opposed to 11 percent of Americans. The US incarcerates individuals at a much higher rate than peer countries, with a disproportionate number of people of color affected. Although many of those incarcerated have a SUD, they receive no treatment while in prison. Moreover, the US invests less in mental health and other social services which can reduce the incidence of SUD.

Naloxone, the opioid reversal drug, has proven indispensable in reducing overdose deaths. While access to this

Delaware Resources

Online lists, searches, and links helpisherede.com

Delaware Hope Line: 833-9-HOPEDE

Naloxone (Narcan) Access Training

Offered by Delaware Department of Health & Social Services; Division of Substance Abuse & Mental Health.

OPEN TO: All members of the community

WHERE: Lewes Public Library (and other locations throughout the state)

WHEN: Monthly; next training: September 14, 2024; 12:00-2:00 p.m. (Additional trainings will be offered the second Saturday of each month, through December, at the same place and time.)

Each training has two sessions:

• FIRST SESSION: A 30-45 minute classroom-style training in small groups with

drug has improved, barriers still exist. These include cost, differing state laws, and inadequate funding for community organizations that distribute naloxone.

Clean needle exchange programs have been proven to reduce infections associated with shared needle use, and the programs through which they operate also can provide access to other harm reduction avenues. Unfortunately, congressional restrictions do not allow the federal government to directly fund these activities, and six states still have no syringe exchange programs.

According to the CDC, Delaware has received about five million dollars to help with harm reduction strategies. As part of the state’s Overdose Response Strategy (ORS) program, the Delaware Division of Public Health—along with other state agencies—has engaged state law enforcement leadership to participate in the First Responder Naloxone Leave-Behind

health+wellness

Program. As a result, 15 of Delaware’s 47 police departments are currently part of the program. Delaware also has expanded education for providers on non-opioid pain management strategies. Finally, several mental health state and non-profit organizations participate in clean needle exchanges.

Over the last four decades the US war on drugs has cost over one trillion dollars and by all estimates, has failed miserably. Substance misuse and addiction are not criminal issues but complex, biological, chronic health conditions. It’s time to put the US taxpayers’ dollars to better use. ▼

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

Photo credit: Pharmacy Images on Unsplash.com

an informative presentation and time for practice and questions.

• SECOND SESSION: A Point of Distribution (POD) training, best for returning trainees, or those who have used a naloxone kit previously. The POD session is open for one hour, but participants should plan only for a 15-minute window to complete the training during this hour. Participants do NOT need to attend for the full hour of the POD session.

At the completion of both training sessions, each participant is eligible to receive an Opioid Rescue Kit.

REGISTER AT: eventbrite.com/o/delaware-dsamh-39765432063. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information call 302-255-2777. ▼

LET’S STAY CONNECTED!

Youth Crisis Support: Crisis intervention services for children under 18. Parents and caregivers are connected to a crisis clinician. Available 24/7. Call 800-9694357 or text DE to 741-741.

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

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

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

Letting Go of the R-Word Reflections

“D

on’t do it! You’ll be sorry. You’ll never be able to retire.” Those were just a few of the comments I got when I decided to leave my career in public relations. As I approached living a half-century, I sensed there had to be more to life than devoting most of my waking hours, talent, and focus to a job that had become meaningless to me. My side gig was my health/fitness column, personal training, and teaching fitness classes. I wanted to make money doing what I loved doing. I started my own fitness business.

I realize that what I did at 50, many do when they retire—a concept that always seemed alien to me. Merriam-Webster’s definition of retire includes the phrases, “to withdraw from action, from circulation, from one’s occupation.” When I left public relations, and again, when I reconfigured my fitness career, I did none of those things.

I’ve declared a new goal: have fun. I wish I had thought of it a lot earlier in my life…

My squeamishness for the “R-word” began years ago when I was media relations director at Gallaudet University. I questioned the common concept of retiring when a colleague announced she had only 10 years, 24 days and 2.5 hours until she could retire. It left me puzzled. How could anyone stay someplace where they were counting the years until they can leave?

Quitting a full-time job or deciding you are finished with the career you’ve held for decades doesn’t mean you are giving up. Even though much of our identity in life is tied to our work, resigning from our career gives us an opportunity to rethink our purpose and to rediscover who we are. But some, like a beach house friend, hang onto a career long after it was over because they have no idea what to do without their job.

Even if people know what makes them happy, many—unfortunately—wait until they retire to focus on who and what is most important to them. Sometimes they wait too long and the opportunity passes them by—like my dad, who was excited about moving to Florida where he bought land for retirement. He didn’t live long enough to realize his dream.

My friend Art, who retired from the IRS, didn’t give up his profession as an accountant. He now heads up his condominium’s board, is chief judge for his neighborhood polling location, and is chairman of the annual conference of the Advanced Tax Institute. In his spare time, he does tax returns.

BY PATTIE CINELLI

When asked, “What do you do?” you can bet he doesn’t answer, “I’m retired.”

For some, quitting an all-consuming job may mean being able to learn something new or taking on a position about which you are passionate. After leaving 30 years of nursing, my friend Debi Jo created an interior design business—a job that leverages her significant talents, and one she enjoys.

Retiring could also mean you can now devote time to checking stuff off your bucket list, caretaking the grandkids, or volunteering. It certainly doesn’t mean you’ve checked out and are doing nothing. A pickleball buddy told me now that he’s retired, he feels he has less time to do everything he wants to do than when he was working. He has no idea how he got everything done and held a full-time position.

Retirement in America can mean different things to different people. It can be a time to reinvent yourself. It can also signal a time in your life when you can relax and have fun. When I ask someone what they do, telling me they are retired isn’t answering my question.

When I moved to Lewes four years ago, everyone I met asked me what I did. Not once did I say “retired,” even though I was no longer operating my fitness business. To me, retirement is for people who identify themselves as old, and who have little desire to do anything much.

I see old as an attitude, not an age. I’m excited about the possibilities that await me. Not reestablishing my fitness career when I moved here freed me to explore other interests. Once realized, a few I found I needed to let go; others have surprised me and are manifesting into what may be my next career.

Shifting goals and changing focus may be scary for some but for me it’s invigorating. I find routine mundane and predictable, and the unknown thrilling and hopeful. I’ve declared a new goal: have fun. I wish I had thought of it a lot earlier in my life because I’ve discovered what you think about, you get. And I’m getting to have lots of fun.

The next time someone asks what you do, what will you answer? ▼

Pattie Cinelli is a journalist who focuses on non-traditional ways to stay healthy and get well. Email Pattie Cinelli at fitmiss44@aol.com.

Delaware State Parks Claims Gold at RBP Lifeguard Olympics

Paris wasn’t the only place where fierce Olympic competition took place. Just a few weeks ago, some 200 lifeguards representing a dozen beach patrols from Sussex County and Ocean City, Maryland, competed in the 47th Annual Rehoboth Beach Patrol Lifeguard Olympics. Lifeguards from Delaware State Parks dominated, claiming the gold and bragging rights.

On July 25, lifeguards competed in 10 events on Rehoboth Beach. Events included runs and swims as well as paddle rescue, iron man medley, beach flags, and tug-of-war.

Rehoboth Beach Patrol’s Lt. Bryan Bowles notes of this year’s event, “The total team effort demonstrated by all those competing was inspiring. And the competition was intense with a hard-fought win by Delaware State Parks.”

Following Delaware State Parks, the top finishing beach patrols were: Bethany Beach (second), Ocean City (third), Rehoboth Beach (fourth) and Middlesex (fifth). ▼

Calling All Needleworkers!

Needleworkers of all ages are encouraged to enter their work for an upcoming exhibit at the Rehoboth Beach Museum. Entries will be accepted at the Museum between August 26 and September 4. Details (and a downloadable application form) are available at rehobothbeachmuseum.org; application forms are also available at the front desk of the Museum, or call (302) 227-7310 to have a copy mailed.

The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society’s Annual Needlework Exhibition will open at the Rehoboth Beach Museum on September 14, 2024. Typically, more than 80 regional needle artists participate, submitting nearly 100 entries each year. The works are judged by a certified judge, and awards are given in 11 categories. A Best in Show and a Judge’s Choice Award are also given.

The exhibit is open to the public and visitors can vote for their favorite piece for the People’s Choice Award. The exhibit will continue through November 10, 2024. There will be at least one special event during the exhibit. Details will be announced closer to the exhibit dates. All award winners will be listed on the Society’s website.

“This is my favorite annual event and I’m thrilled that it continues to grow each year. The creativity and talent of our local and not-so-local needleworkers is phenomenal,” said Museum Collections Manager and Needlework Exhibit Curator Michele Wilt.

The museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue. Museum hours are Monday and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is by donation. Visit rehobothbeachmuseum.org for more information. ▼

Lt. Rawley FLorax, Rehoboth Beach Patrol

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

home of the “Rehoboth Beach Bracelet”

Words Matter

Our Paths Are Our Own

Congratulations! That is what I shouted twice within a 30-minute window. I was so excited to hear the good news from my friends: the stork was making visits to two homes.

First, I got a call from a friend who I’d just seen the day before. I went to church and brunch with him and his wife. Typically, we all order mimosas, but this Sunday she passed on drinking. I didn’t read much into it. Now, it was clear. She’s pregnant. They didn’t tell me that day because they wanted to wait until they could also share the ultrasound. A beautiful young couple with big hearts. I know they are going to be great parents.

After I’d gotten off the phone with them, I threw my shoes on so that I could meet my neighbor for a walk. The last couple of years, a ‘walk & talk’ has become our way of connecting with each other. It’s a perfect avenue for us to spend quality time together, bounce ideas off each other, and get in our steps.

A little over a year ago, she mentioned that she felt her window for becoming a mother was narrowing and that there was no Prince Charming in sight. She’d always imagined that she would grow up, graduate college, begin her career, fall in love, get married, have children, and live happily ever after. Some of those things had happened already. She’s matured into womanhood, earned two degrees, and has an awesome career that she loves.

Becoming a mother is very important to her but understanding and accepting that finding a life partner or getting married wasn’t something definite at her age, she decided that she would use the resources available to her to become a mom on her own. This wasn’t at all the way she’d envisioned taking this step in life, but it was the step she was committed to taking.

As we walked that evening, she told me that after creating a plan and navigating the long journey, she’s now three months pregnant. I was ecstatic to hear her news and the thrill in her voice. I have no doubt she’ll flourish as a mom

BY CLARENCE FLUKER

It takes courage to decide to do the unconventional, to try a different approach to doing things, and to move at your own pace…

and her child will be loved deeply by her village.

It was an action-packed and joy-filled 30 minutes. It was also a wonderful reminder that we can have similar destinations and goals, but we don’t have to get there or achieve them the same way. Our paths are our own.

When someone asks me where I graduated college, that answer is simple: Morgan State University. When asked where I earned my college credits, that’s a longer answer. I took classes at Cuyahoga Community College and the University of Cincinnati before heading to Morgan. It wasn’t the traditional path that many of my peers took to earning their degrees. They chose one school and stayed there for four years.

My matriculation was different and involved multiple schools that aligned with stages of my personal development. Sometimes it was challenging, but it was the best path for me to become a college graduate and the man that I am today. And even though I had setbacks and took a more winding road, I still graduated the same semester that all

my friends did at their respective colleges across the country.

Famed artist Henri Matisse said that “creativity takes courage.” The scientist and philosopher Aristotle once offered, “You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.”

It takes courage to decide to do the unconventional, to try a different approach to doing things, and to move at your own pace when the world tells you to always move faster or sets arbitrary timelines. I was able to share in the excitement of my friends because each of them decided to be courageous and move in the direction of creating the life they want to live in a way that makes sense for them. We should all do the same. ▼

Clarence J. Fluker is a public affairs and social impact strategist. Follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter): @CJFluker or Instagram: @Mr_CJFluker.

Photo: Zack Silver on Unsplash.

CAMPsafe Serves Our Community

Look Up, Get CAMPsafe

CAMP

Rehoboth is excited to work with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services to present new billboards throughout Southern Delaware. The campaign promotes CAMPsafe, CAMP Rehoboth’s HIV Prevention program that hosts daily walk-in testing opportunities at CAMP Rehoboth and remote locations in Seaford, Laurel, and Georgetown.

The billboards feature a testing locator that not only lists testing locations available through CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, but also provides listings for other testing sites based on location. Simply provide a ZIP code, and options to get an HIV test through partner organizations will populate.

Let’s stop the spread of HIV together. The only way to combat the rise of HIV is to know one’s status. Take advantage of testing opportunities and get tested regularly. Stay on the lookout for the billboards on routes 13, 113, 9, and Coastal Highway in both Sussex and Kent Counties. ▼

PREVENT HIV & Mpox

FREE WALK-IN HIV TESTING

Free, rapid, walk-in HIV testing and counseling is available at CAMP Rehoboth and in western Sussex County. Testing days/times are subject to change; please call ahead to verify the current testing schedule.

CAMP Rehoboth

37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE Tel: 302-227-5620

Mondays 10 AM-1 PM Tuesdays 2:30-4:30 PM

Wednesdays ............................... 1-4 PM Thursdays 1-3 PM

Fridays 9 AM-12 PM

Addiction Medical Facility - Seaford 1309 Bridgeville Hwy., Seaford, DE Tel: 302-629-2300

Higher Ground Outreach

12 E. Pine St., Georgetown, DE Tel: 302-470-7497

Laurel State Service Center 31039 N. Poplar St., Laurel, DE Tel: 302-227-5620*

*Call CAMP Rehoboth to schedule an HIV test at the Laurel State Service Center.

Springboard Village

411 Kimmey St., Georgetown, DE Tel: 302-253-8246

Scan the QR Code for the most up-todate testing hours and locations.

THE PATH TO RELIEF STARTS HERE

Introducing Beebe Healthcare’s Heartburn Center

If you experience chronic heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux, Beebe Healthcare’s Heartburn Center is here to help eliminate your symptoms and give you a path to relief. Our experienced team of specialists can safely and effectively diagnose a variety of gastrointestinal/ esophageal conditions and inform the best treatment plan for you —from changes in lifestyle and diet to medication-assisted management to surgical intervention.

NOTE: Heartburn and heart attack may exhibit similar symptoms. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

CAMPStories

Best in Show

The blazing midday sun shone relentlessly on the fairgrounds and upon the throng of visitors meandering about looking at prize winning livestock and queueing up for classic fair food like funnel cakes, Cheeto-dusted corn dogs, and fried Oreos. I too was meandering, but unlike everyone else yours truly was inside his air-conditioned car and driving very slowly in search of the Dover Building.

I was pretty sure I shouldn’t have been motoring into the heart of the fair, dodging families, motorized wheelchairs, and farm kids leading goats around by leashes. Three different parking attendants, however, had given me three conflicting and confusing sets of directions to the exhibitor parking lot and time was running out for me to drop off my entry in the “best fern frond contest,” one of 25 specimen contests in the cut flower category at this year’s Delaware State Fair in Harrington.

“Dude, just drive right up to the front door,” one sunburned attendant with multiple piercings on his nose, ears, and lips said. He had an official-looking badge, so I did just that. And I felt a swell of relief as I turned a tight corner, almost clipping a French fry stall, and spotted my destination ahead. Per the parking guy’s instructions, I pulled up in front, grabbed the glass vase with my fern frond, and ran inside to the contest check-in desk where I handed it over to an officious older woman. She looked at her wristwatch to confirm I wasn’t late. “Never seen one like this,” she clucked as she dutifully registered my entry.

The cutting I entered came from a soft shield fern, an evergreen native to southern Europe. Its feathery, dark green fronds look very tropical but are in fact quite hardy. Each frond has a central stem that is densely covered with a mat of soft, reddish-brown hairs that make a striking contrast with the green of the leaflets. It’s quite butch for a fern.

When I asked if there were many flower entries from Rehoboth Beach,

she just laughed and answered with one word: “Nope.”

Now don’t you laugh, but I wavered for days between butch and femme when considering which fern frond to enter. It had nothing to do with the actual sex of the fern, rather with its appearance. I have

I wavered for days between butch and femme when considering which fern frond to enter.

a delicate Japanese autumn fern that I thought might appeal to the judges. In the end, I went butch at the recommendation of several friends who found the hirsute soft shield fern very handsome and unusual. I rolled up my sleeves and thoughtfully cut the biggest, badass fern frond I could find.

Some (most?) of you are probably wondering what on Earth compelled me to enter a fern competition at the State Fair. It’s not like I’m a committed pteridophile (fern lover). In fact, I have never ever purchased a fern. The multiple fern plants growing in my garden today were all rescued from neighborhood properties where houses were being torn down and/ or lots were being clear cut. I entered it because the old-timey flower, fruit, and

BY RICH BARNETT

vegetable competitions are my favorite part of the Fair. One almost expects to see Aunt Bee and Clara tut-tutting over their prized roses. (Older readers—ahem—will understand this reference.) And admittedly, I’ve always been curious how I stack up against other Delaware gardeners. Isn’t this what retirees do?

As I strolled about the exhibition hall, I couldn’t help but notice certain contests drew more entries than others. Among the flowers, dahlias and marigolds were quite popular while peaches, tomatoes, and watermelons dominated the fruits and vegetables. There were quite a few pumpkins, which puzzled me because I always thought they ripened in the fall. The ferns were represented well. Looking over the competition, I was pleased with my entry because all the others were look-alike femme ferns.

I didn’t stay for the judging because my car was illegally parked, and I needed to get back to Rehoboth for a cocktail engagement. As I drove through the crowded fairgrounds, I could feel victory in my bones. It might have been my sciatica acting up. Nevertheless, if I didn’t win, well, I’d just go ahead and claim the win because obviously the election—I mean, the competition—would have been rigged.

Fortunately, I didn’t have to compromise my morals because the judges awarded my fern frond the blue ribbon. The scores—perfect fives in each category for uniformity, color, condition, and maturity—also merited a fancy rosette ribbon as the Judges Choice Award for the best specimen in the entire cut flower category.

A few days later, as I drove out of the Fair with my ribbons and now-dead fern frond, I couldn’t help but wonder if the judges knew that a fern frond isn’t technically a flower. I’m not telling if you won’t. I’ve got my eyes on a repeat championship. ▼

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

Getting Well-er

Like with most things that are good for me, I come kicking and yelling into wellness, or my version of it, anyway.

It’s National Wellness Month! I know, it slipped my mind, too, but wait a second and I’ll go grab the confetti. Clearly, my attitude toward wellness needs work, although surprisingly, it’s been getting quite a workout lately. Having determined after nearly two years that I’m not willingly, or even magically, going to lose those extra pandemic pounds (and too much before that), I have joined Noom, an online weight reduction program. It’s based on cognitive behavioral therapy, and that approach has worked for me in the past for quitting smoking. So, I reasoned, why wouldn’t it work to help to stop eating all the processed, addictive foods I’ve been unwisely consuming?

The Noom program gives me tools, and tools are very helpful. They’re not too onerous. The program’s not too strict—the weight comes off slow and steady while the behavior changes stay embedded for the duration and after. I won’t meet my goal until April 2025. So tools, like logging meals and weighing every day, and doing the little readings, are helping me a good deal.

But for any addiction, the desire to stop doing it has to be there or else it just doesn’t stick, in my experience. So, the first step I had to take: I had to find the willingness to stop drinking my beloved Dr. Pepper. RIP, dear Dr. Pepper. It’s been a tough separation. Seriously. I love Dr. Pepper—the real thing, with hundreds of calories of pure useless sugar and caffeine! Loved that little jolt in each slug!

But, as with all things, they say, comes a time. My time with Dr. Pepper, sadly but necessarily, is over. I miss it terribly. I now drink Cherry Coke Zero. Baby steps, you know. And just seltzer in the morning. I also eat different whole foods and substitute healthier things for snacks. It’s not all that difficult.

It’s finally starting to work; my body, I think, is catching on, and I’ve lost a few pounds after a few weeks. I’ll keep at it. I need to lose a pretty good chunk of change to meet my goal. Of course, as soon as my body figures out that the weight is dropping, it will then start to

BY BETH SHOCKLEY

cling desperately to every ounce, every molecule, to keep hanging on…. Ah, now that’s a classic case of what’s known elsewhere as “stinkin’ thinkin.” See—I have tools to identify thoughts like those.

Paying attention to my food intake is not all that difficult, thankfully. But the other half of the wellness equation is to move more. This one, for some reason, is really vexing me. I began yoga as soon as I retired and kept it up until recently, when I had to have physical therapy for a bad hip joint. OMG, I really AM talking about ailments. I’ll be back in yoga in two weeks. I already talked to the instructor (accountability is another one of those tools I’m learning).

But the big change that I need to make is the one I’m not making at all—getting outside for simple walking. It’s so bad it’s become a thing, and I can’t see past it yet. I figured out that some of it has to do with losing both our dogs in 2023, and the fond memories of walking in the neighborhood with them. Now I’ll be walking without them, and I—apparently—really don’t want to do that. However, I also don’t like walking when it’s hot/raining/you name it. But come on, before I moved to Delaware, I was a New York City girl who walked everywhere, all the time. So, stay tuned—I’ll get past this eventually, I know.

Like with most things that are good for me, I come kicking and yelling into wellness, or my version of it, anyway. The struggle is real, but doable, and for that, I am thankful.

I recently celebrated my birthday, and as trite or corny as it may seem, I think the best gift I can give myself is that of wellness, of being healthy enough as I age to do so comfortably (as much as possible). Considering some of the damage I heaped on this poor body in my younger days, I’m fortunate indeed to have my health for now. I’d like to keep it that way.

Grapes, anyone? ▼

Beth Shockley is a retired senior writer/editor living in Dover with her wife and furbabies.

Photo: Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash.

Straight Talk

“Oh, Ye of Little Faith!”

There are six instances of this phrase being delivered in the Christian Bible, five of which are found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus spoke those words to his disciples. One would expect them to have the faith necessary to follow and understand the message Jesus was bringing to the world. For those who read the Christian New Testament, it is clear that on numerous occasions, the disciples just didn’t get it.

The institutional church today, having undergone numerous splits and partisan mergers over the centuries, has yet to define itself in a coherent, cohesive way. There are fewer flavors of Baskin-Robbins ice cream than there are religious bodies that debate, rather than define, their faith. Across the United States today, certain faith communities are attempting to make their “flavor” the one that supersedes all the others.

The formerly “United” Methodist Church has undergone a radical and outright ugly split over the past few years. In light of growing acceptance of—and demand for—inclusivity and equality in the pews of their churches, those who are less than welcoming to the rainbow spectrum have been fleeing the Mother Church. In fact, most of these congregations have voted to leave the church while keeping possession of the building and grounds. In these instances, those who worship a loving and accepting deity are the ones who must leave that particular congregation. To the ones rejecting the call to love and accept others, we say, “Oh, ye of little faith.”

There are actions and reactions taken by state legislatures that have life-changing consequences for innumerable persons in the US. The lives of women who live in Iowa will change for the (much) worse, as this state has put a complete abortion ban at six weeks into force. Over in Minnesota, death threats and false accusations

are being directed to State Rep. Leigh Finke. She is trans, elected to represent a predominantly queer constituency. She has been working to change the language of a bill that calls transpersons groomers and pedophiles. The vitriol and hostility she has endured in light of her efforts would test any person’s well-being.

Not one, not two, but three anti-transgender laws were recently signed into law on the same day.

And then, Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire is leaving his discriminating thumbprint on trans life in his state. Not one, not two, but three anti-transgender laws were recently signed into law on the same day. Even though its occurrence is rare, one law prohibits performing gender-affirming surgeries on minors. The second new law prevents trans girls in grades five through 12 from participating in team sports that do not match their birth gender. The third law passed expands a law already in place that classifies referrals or direct involvement of medical professionals in genderaffirming care as unprofessional. It also subjects them to disciplinary action. “Oh, ye of little faith.”

The common theme lying dormant within these laws and public misbehavior is that their Christian faith leads—yes, even demands—that they pursue their hateful agenda. The slightest contradiction or contested opinion of their understanding of holy scriptures elicits a most vehement condemnation.

It was quite amusing to see this in action during the Paris Olympics. The whole misinterpretation of the Feast of Bacchus dramatic portrayal as a

BY DAVID GARRETT

secular attack on the Last Supper was enlightening. If clutching pearls were an Olympic event, the right-wing Christians would have taken home the gold. “Oh, ye of little faith.”

Rep. Cory Booker, even though not a theologian, has this to share: “Don’t speak to me about your religion; first show it to me in how you treat other people. Don’t tell me how much you love your God; show me in how much you love all God’s children. Don’t preach to me your passion for your faith; teach me through your compassion for your neighbors.”

The crux of this exploration of one’s faith in the public marketplace is that we must all live our lives of faith in such a manner that others watching us will stand in amazement because we are so generous, caring, accepting, and focused on helping others. Devoted to nonviolence, Mahatma Ghandi was once asked by a reporter what he thought about Jesus Christ. He replied, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

“Oh, ye of little faith.” Those who claim to be people of faith must not only proclaim such with their lips, they must also show it with their lives and their hearts. There’s a lot of work left to be done. ▼

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.

Delaware Stonewall PAC Endorsem

September 10, 2024 Democratic Primary

Sarah McBride - US Congress

Bethany Hall Long - Governor

Kyle Evans Gay - Lt. Governor

Marty Rendon - State Rep. 14th

"Stell" Parker Selby - State Rep 20th

Trinidad Navarro - Ins. Commissioner

November 5, 2024 Election

Lisa Blunt Rochester - US Senate

Sen. Russ Huxtable - SD 6

Sen. Bryan Townsend - SD 11

Sen. Trey Paradee - SD 17

Charitable Qualified

Requests a qualified charitable distribution from their IRA.

Sends that QCD to the charity that the donor chooses.

Contact our Development Manager, Laurie Thompson, at laurie@camprehoboth.com to learn more about making a QCD. EIN # 51-0331962

Realty Group Rehoboth Beach

AIDS WALK DELAWARE

Walk for a Cause

AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium jointly will present the 38th annual AIDS Walk Delaware on Saturday, September 21, 2024, with walkers stepping off at 10:00 a.m.

The Walk takes place in Wilmington (Brandywine Park) and Rehoboth Beach (Grove Park) and is the state’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness event. Funds raised help provide free, rapid HIV testing, medical case management services, HIV-specific mental health counseling, HIV/PrEP education and prevention programs, housing assistance, and transportation services.

This year’s Walk coincides with the International Day of Peace (aka World Peace Day), established by the United Nations. One of the Day’s foundational pillars is Good Health and Well-Being. To honor this, people will walk and raise funds to support those with HIV, ensuring they receive the medication and treatment necessary for their physical and mental well-being. Additionally, the Walk provides education on HIV and PrEP to prevent further cases, empowering people with the knowledge to protect themselves and others. As of June 2024, there are 3,993 people in Delaware with HIV, with 60 new cases reported so far this year.

“Our best chance of eliminating HIV is assuring people get tested, know their status, and—if they are HIV positive—to get them into care and on a structured medical regimen. This helps them stay healthy and reduces the spread of HIV,” says Frank Hawkins, Director of Prevention Services at AIDS Delaware. “People with HIV who get to and maintain an undetectable viral load have virtually no risk of spreading HIV to another person.”

Creating more community awareness of PrEP is another critical goal of the Walk. PrEP is a prevention medication that is 99 percent effective at reducing the risk of contracting HIV, but too few people are aware of it.

Funds raised from the Walk also benefit other HIV service organizations, including the Ministry of Caring, Beautiful Gate Outreach Center, the William J. Holloway Community Program, and CAMP Rehoboth.

Walk check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. in Wilmington, Brandywine Park, 1080 North Park Drive, and Rehoboth Beach, Grove Park at Columbia Avenue and Grove Street. Walkers are encouraged to visit the Knowledge Neighborhood at their respective parks before and after walking. Dogs are welcome at both locations.

AIDS Delaware’s mission is to eliminate the spread and stigma of HIV/AIDS, improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS, and promote community health through comprehensive and culturally sensitive services, education programs, and advocacy. AIDS Delaware was the state’s first and largest HIV service organization (HSO); it was founded in 1984 by a group of concerned volunteer activists to address the needs of the state’s emerging AIDS community. Over nearly 40 years, AIDS Delaware has become Delaware’s premier HSO working for the health of the human family.

With offices in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown, AIDS Delaware’s services include free, confidential HIV testing; medical case management/client services; education/outreach programs; pharmacy services; a food and personal products pantry; and drug, alcohol, and mental health counseling.

AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th Street, Suite 315, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, 302.652.6776, aidsdelaware.org.

Walkers and anyone who wants to donate are invited to visit AIDSWalkDelaware.org to register. The walk is free; walkers who raise at least $35 receive a commemorative t-shirt.

For more information or to sponsor the Walk, visit AIDSWalkDelaware.org or contact John Beckley (jbeckley@aidsdelaware.org; 302.652.6776, x221). ▼

The Delaware HIV Consortium has served as the state's primary administrator of supportive services provided through the Ryan White CARE Act and funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

By working collaboratively with community partners and by providing direct services through offices in Wilmington and Milford, the Consortium ensures that Delawareans living with HIV/AIDS have access to HIV case management, transportation assistance, a housing assistance program, emergency financial assistance, HIV community planning, outreach, education, testing and linkage to care, and advocacy.

The Consortium also provides subcontracted services to the Delaware Division of Public Health, administering programs such as an HIV prevention education campaign and a statewide PrEP navigation program.

Delaware HIV Consortium, 100 W. 10th Street, Suite 315, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, 302.654.5471, delawarehiv.org.

Check-In: 8:30AM Kick-O : 10:00AM

View Point

Then They Came for the Cat Ladies

J.D. Vance’s Hostility Toward Childfree Women

Ithink it is better to treat animals like people than to treat people like animals.

Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance said in 2021, “We are effectively run in this country... by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they’ve made, and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too.”

My reaction when I read that was to ask, “What is the Latin for government by cat ladies?” My answer was to coin the term felefeminocracy.

I was not aware that America was run by cat ladies. Since we’re making things up, I suspect Sen. Vance is one of the people from Men in Black who are controlled by tiny aliens inside their heads. Vance, to put it mildly, has a problem with women. He thinks they should stay home and raise children, and be forced to stay with abusive husbands. Never mind that his wife Usha is an attorney with a JD from Yale who served as a law clerk for Brett Kavanaugh and John Roberts.

The busybodies of the far right think that rules—as Leona Helmsley said about taxes—are for the little people. Paleoconservative and anti-feminist Phyllis Schlafly went around the country for years saying women should stay at home. Evidently, she felt at home on the lecture circuit.

Vance also suggested that people’s children should be given the vote, to be managed by their parents. His reasoning is that people without children have no stake in the future of the country. He favors the nuclear family over the extended family prevalent in many cultures. He wants to eliminate diverse families (I’m looking at you, Pete and Chasten) and trap everyone in the 1950s sitcom Father Knows Best. Before the looming Trump autocracy even starts, I might as well confess

that I have no biological children. I do have lots of nephews and nieces whose futures I very much care about, and my partner has a wonderful son who calls me Daddy Rick. There are also a few

“What is the Latin for government by cat ladies?” My answer: felefeminocracy.

LGBTQ refugees in Kenya who call me Daddy for helping them after they were forced to flee their homes and countries to avoid honor killings.

Some of those refugees have already been resettled to the United States. No doubt the man at the top of Vance’s ticket, Donald Trump, considers them vermin who are poisoning white American blood, even if they are here legally. When the ICE police are rounding up people next year in the promised mass deportation that was cheered by delegates at the Republican National Convention, don’t count on them to care who is documented and who is not. If you look like one of “those people,” out you go.

BY RICHARD J. ROSENDALL

To be honest, I think I have more and better family values in my pinky finger than J.D. Vance has in his entire body.

There is no doubt in my mind that my cat lady friends would do a far better job of running this country than the likes of Sen. Vance. As for people being miserable, he seems pretty unhappy himself.

As shown by their demonization of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Trump, Vance, and their diehards think the only sensibilities that deserve respect are their own. Anything they don’t like should be mocked, vilified, and possibly banned. It’s like going to a restaurant and insisting on ordering for the strangers at the next table.

Why don’t these people mind their own business? For that matter, what do they have against cats? Since wild speculation has apparently replaced evidence and science in this country, let me venture to guess that the answer lies in the aloofness cats are often known for, in contrast to the adoration exhibited by dogs. Cats probably remind Vance of the girls who ignored him in school.

Unlike Mrs. Vance, I do not have a degree from Yale. But my own alma mater, Villanova University, has a page on its website titled “LGBTQIA+ Resources.” This is in happy contrast with the time I risked expulsion by organizing a debate on gay rights at the Villanova Political Union in 1978.

Times change. We don’t have to let kitty-hating authoritarians turn back the clock.

The MAGA concept of liberty is that they are entitled to do whatever they like, and the rest of us must offer abject deference. Let’s give them a purrfectly dreadful time on Election Day. ▼

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

Photo: Reba Spike on Unsplash.

The Writing Life

No Such Thing as a One-Off On Writing a Novel

Two years ago, in my first phone call with the editor at Dutton Books, who would soon acquire my novel, A Season of Perfect Happiness, she asked, “Is this novel just a one-off for you?”

I understood why she was asking. At the time of our conversation, it had been 14 years since I’d published a novel. Fourteen. Still, her question startled me. And the polite deferential tone I’d been using until that moment disappeared. “What? A one-off? No!”

True, I explained, I hadn’t published a book in over a decade. But I wrote every day. I’d written two other (unpublished) novels, given numerous readings, published essays. I was a writer in my bones. It’s who I was, how I spent my days. My whole life was about writing: I taught writers, advocated for writers, hosted literary events, and read constantly—read as if it were my job.

So, a one-off? It was a fair question, but I hated it.

I mention all this because although Dutton is releasing A Season of Perfect Happiness on August 20, a novel I am so proud of, a novel that has already garnered praise from writers I admire, I don’t view this accomplishment as my most significant. It’s what people will pay attention to, and I’m grateful for and humbled by every bit of that attention, but the important part of my story is the part about how I never stopped writing even when I wasn’t publishing.

I wrote during the years of piling up rejections, years when my writing couldn’t live up to the enormous dreams I had for it. An idea would come, and I’d envision what the finished product would be, but the results were never as beautiful or intricate as I’d imagined. Still, I kept trying because I believe our stories matter—and I will always believe this. When I feel doubt about writing (and I do—even now) I consider all the joy that has entered my life through books, and I’m so thankful for those writers who didn’t give up. Mostly, I continued to write because nothing in my

life—except marrying my husband—has ever made as much sense to me as that act of arranging words, casting for the perfect image or the surprising verb, the glimmering net of sentences that would capture exactly what I longed to say.

It was one thing to believe stories mattered, but another thing entirely to believe my story mattered.

For a long time, though—nearly fourteen years—I lost sight of what I wanted to say.

It was one thing to believe stories mattered, but another thing entirely to believe my story mattered.

I still remember the January afternoon when I decided to print out the novel I’d spent the last three years writing. I’d revised nearly 400 pages, but still, I was struggling: What was this book about?

It was snowing, the house quiet. Periodically, I’d glance from my writing to the flakes falling over the cornfield just beyond our yard. I was on page 71. I remember this so clearly. In the next room, the printer was softly churning out more pages.

BY MARIBETH FISCHER

But I wouldn’t read them. I knew in my heart the novel wasn’t working, and I didn’t have the energy or desire—or maybe the know-how—to fix what needed fixing.

And so, I gave up on that book. But I didn’t give up on writing. I wanted to. I was tired, frustrated, and dispirited. But I wanted to write. I wanted to write a novel I cared about, a novel that would make a difference—however small—to the people who read it. Maybe this was arrogant; maybe it was too idealistic, but I couldn’t not want this. It’s what I want for all writers.

Sometimes finding the story is harder than writing it.

I started again, hesitantly, tentatively, afraid to invest more years in a project that might fail.

But the next project was the novel about to be published: A Season of Perfect Happiness. I wish it hadn’t taken me so long, but I also know that so much of what is good about this novel comes from the ghosts of the books that failed. I needed to write the “wrong” story in order to find the right one.

In that sense, there’s no such thing as a one-off. There can’t be. There’s just the daily work and the enormous hope. Holding onto that is the best accomplishment there is. ▼

A Season of Perfect Happiness is available at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth and on Amazon.

Maribeth Fischer is founder and Executive Director of the Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild, where she teaches classes in novel writing and creative nonfiction. A Season of Perfect Happiness is her third novel.

Author photo: Scott Nathan. Book cover photo: Penguin Random House.

NOT JUST A CONDIMENT

Cut the Mustard

Mustard, the taste bud tickler which adds bite to everything from hot dogs to Sookhi Baji, has a spicy history all its own. It exists as both an ancient seed and a modern kitchen standard. It also functions in ways other condiments do not, often camouflaged with other ingredients. Whether it’s sweet, bright yellow, or hot as hell, its name speaks for itself; and, with National Mustard Day on August 3, it’s (past) time to celebrate its squirted, spreadable glory.

To contextualize mustard’s place in society, it’s necessary to first explore its origin story. Mustard seed may be as old as Methuselah and features prominently in biblical literature. It is used as a device to show that one only needs a seed’s worth of faith for beliefs to grow. Similarly, in India, the mustard seed was used to illustrate the commonality of loss, told through the story of Gautama Buddha.

In the more recent past, some 4,000 years ago, mustard plant harvesting was common in Egyptian, Grecian, and Roman cultures. The seeds were used for both food and medicine. During the Middle Ages, mustard enjoyed a golden age. No banquet table was complete without a jar strategically placed within arm’s reach. Knights would dip their swords in it before battle, believing it strengthened their strikes with extra sizzle.

As the Renaissance dawned, mustard took on a new role as a symbol of sophistication and intrigue. Nobles—the influencers of their day—would host lavish feasts where the centerpiece was the assortment of exotic mustards imported from distant lands.

With the age of exploration came the spread of mustard across the globe. New settlers carried mustard seeds with them to North America, where it quickly became a staple in those early kitchens. Mustard found itself at home among the early colonial cornucopia, adding twists to dishes which previously lacked a certain je ne sais quoi.

Fast forward to the modern age, and mustard is still holding space. Now, this

space includes grocery store shelves, state fair food booths, and plastic-covered tables at summertime barbeques. It also makes the odd appearance as a stain on t-shirts, swimming trunks, and often, the most expensive item one owns, which is also impossible to clean.

Personally, when I think of mustard, I think about the pizza which was served at the Milford Skating Rink when I was a kid.

While Canada and Nepal hold the honors for largest production of mustard in the world, countries like France and Germany tout their expertise, even though their respective brands might be more steeped in folklore than fact. It turns out France’s Dijon varieties can be made anywhere in the world, and there are so many similar variations of German mustard that expertly defining it is no longer possible.

This type of mustard market saturation has caused it to lose some gravitas. It now shares duties with other condiments like ketchup, relish, and mayo. In addition, it may exist in alphabetical order in the spice aisle among less intriguing options like lemon pepper and Monterey steak seasoning.

BY CHRISTOPHER MOORE

Still, mustard persists. It is the third and fourth most popular condiment at McDonalds (honey and hot, respectively). It remains a popular dusting on pretzels, ranging from Dot’s to Snyder’s. It also provides flavor on potato chips, pork rinds, and croutons. French’s, a popular American brand, even released mustard flavored Skittles.

Personally, when I think of mustard, I think about the pizza which was served at the Milford Skating Rink when I was a kid. The big move among my peers was to spread yellow mustard on top of the melted cheese. While this may not sound lovely, I assure you, it was perfection. As adults, my brother and I still talk about that pizza—and the mustard.

Perhaps it’s nostalgia, where the memory of taste activates memories of a different place and time. Moments like that provide comfort and enjoyment. This might explain the grip mustard has on our world. Hot dogs seem less exciting without it. Sandwiches are missing that zing. Pretzel options in Wawa at 2:00 a.m. after a rowdy night out seem less compelling. The job of mustard, as intense as it might be, is to enhance the instance one takes their first bite, closes their eyes, and basks in the flavor. In those moments, it’s a job well done.

From seed to shop shelves, mustard has left its beautiful, bright stain on the fabric of popular culture. It has inspired everything from museums to festivals to fashion. Chefs swear by it, artists paint its golden hues, and kids still bop their bottle on the bottom to ensure the first squirt isn’t all yellow water. Simply put: mustard isn't just a condiment; it's a cultural tradition—a symbol of heritage, history, rebellion, flavor, and the audacity to think outside the spice rack. ▼

Christopher Moore is Interim Executive Director of AIDS Delaware. He loves NPR, naughty jokes, and a man who lives in Toronto. Email him at moore.cc@gmail.com.

Photo: Pedro Gurigan on Unsplash.

Planning Your Legacy Can Help Us Save Lives

August is National Make A Will Month and provides a great opportunity for reflection and planning your future.

Some reasons why your will is important: Beebe Medical Foundation encourages you to consider your legacy. YOU can have an impact that will last long after your lifetime.

1. Peace of mind: Writing a will gives you peace of mind, knowing your wishes will be followed after you’re gone. It ensures that your belongings go to the people or causes you care about.

2. Protecting your loved ones: A will lets you financially provide for your family and loved ones. You can specify who gets what, which can prevent disagreements among family members later.

3. Tax benefits: Planning your estate (all the things you own) can also help minimize taxes that your loved ones might have to pay on what you leave them. This means more of your money can go where you want it to.

4. Making a lasting impact: Including charities or nonprofits in your will allows you to make a lasting impact for future generations on social causes that you believe in.

You can make an impact beyond your lifetime. Scan the QR code to receive free copies of our Estate Planning Guide

Historical Headliners

Royal Romantic: King James of Scotland

There isn’t much—well, nothing, actually—that I find amusing about Donald Trump, with one exception: Trump as Bible salesman. Really, of all the people one might expect to shill Bibles, a multiple adulterer, sexual predator, and serial liar doesn’t spring to mind.

According to news accounts, the customers for Trump’s Bible are, ironically, the sort of folks whose religious beliefs frown on such behavior, with a particular loathing of same sex relationships, an activity they scorn as a guaranteed doomed-to-hell sin.

Hah! If they only knew. Those King James versions of the Bible found in hotel rooms and hawked by wannabe King Donald, were commissioned by a real king who found the love of men quite delightful.

Meet King James, whose official title was James I of England and Ireland, and James VI of Scotland.

He was the son of the tragic queen Mary Queen of Scots, who was imprisoned and eventually beheaded in 1587 for her independence from English sovereignty and maintaining her Catholic faith despite the official adoption of Protestantism by Mary’s cousin, Queen Elizabeth of England. Upon Mary’s death, James, a mere one year old, was now king of Scotland.

At the age of 17, in 1583, James was no longer subject to governing regents and was able to take full control of the Scottish government. In 1603, upon the death of Queen Elizabeth, who produced no heir, James, cousin to Elizabeth, was named King of England in addition to his kingship of Scotland.

He married Anne of Denmark in 1589, and by all accounts it was a very happy marriage. In fact, at a time when royal marriages were arranged to cement political alliances, the marriage of James and Anne appeared to be a true love match, and a passionate one. The couple produced seven children, though as sadly typical of the time, four died in infancy.

Despite James and Anne’s happy

marriage, James indulged in extramarital affairs, as was the privilege of powerful men at the time. But unlike other kings and the privileged men of the nobility and aristocracy, James did not take mistresses. He took male lovers.

But unlike other kings and the privileged men of the nobility and aristocracy, James did not take mistresses. He took male lovers.

James indulged in same sex affairs despite the prevailing attitudes of the Catholic church of his mother’s lineage and the Protestant Church of England. In England, especially, James, as king, was considered Defender of the Faith, a title he fully embraced. He agreed with a group of English biblical scholars that a new English language version of the Bible was needed. In 1611, under James’s imprimatur, the King James Bible was published. It remains the dominant English language Christian Bible still today. How odd, then, that James would enthusiastically pursue a religious proj-

BY ANN APTAKER

ect while engaging in a sexual practice the church condemned. Were he not a king, just a mere citizen, punishment for homosexual sex was imprisonment and sometimes even death by hanging.

James, though, as king, was free to do whatever he wanted.

For a while, his favorite lover was Esme Stewart, the Duke of Lennox, followed by Robert Carr, the Earl of Somerset. The Carr affair ended in 1614 when James met the handsome George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham. According to the biography of Villiers in the Encyclopedia Britannica, the affair was certainly sexual, and Villiers “retained the king’s passionate support to the end of (James’s) life.”

Meanwhile, James and his wife Anne maintained their tight bond of marriage, including in the marriage bed. Evidently, Anne looked the other way when her husband indulged in his homosexual affairs.

In today’s definitions of sexual preferences, James would likely be identified as bisexual. Though almost all of his lovers were male, there is evidence that he took a female lover now and then, including Anne Murray Lyon, the Countess of Kinghorne. His long and fruitful marriage to Anne of Denmark is another indication of James’s comfort with heterosexual sex.

It's James’s male lovers, though, who dominated the king’s extramarital activities. Surely, the biblical scholars James commissioned to produce a Bible under the king’s name knew of James’s love life, or at least strongly suspected. Perhaps the Archbishop of Canterbury knew, too. But as long as James championed the church’s endeavors, it was happy to embrace him, despite what the church considered his repeated sins.

Sound familiar?  ▼

Ann Aptaker is the author of short stories and the Lambda & three-time Goldie award winning Cantor Gold series. Her latest book, A Crime of Secrets, was released in July 2023.

CAMP REHOBOTH BEACH GUIDE

BEACH AREA LODGING

Atlantic Sands Hotel, Boardwalk & Baltimore Ave

Atlantic View Hotel, Ocean Front 2 Clayton St, Dewey

Atlantis Inn, 154 Rehoboth Ave

Beach View Hotel, 6 Wilmington Ave

302-227-2511

302-227-3878

302-227-9446

302-227-2999

Breakers Hotel, 105 2nd St & Baltimore Ave 302-227-6688

Canalside Inn, 34 6th St 302-226-2006

Rehoboth Guest House, 40 Maryland Ave

302-227-4117 Sea ‘n Stars Guest Suites, 44 Delaware Ave 302-226-2742

LEWES FOOD & DRINK

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

REHOBOTH RETAIL SHOPS

Atlantic Jewelry, 313 South Boardwalk

New Wave Spas, 20660 Coastal Hwy

Stuart Kingston Gallery, 19470 Coastal Hwy

Unfinished Business, 18389 Olde Coach Rd.

ART GALLERIES | MUSEUMS

Biggs Museum of American Art, thebiggsmuseum.org

Gallery 50, 50 Wilmington Ave

Peninsula Gallery, 502 E Savannah Rd

Rehoboth Art League, 12 Dodds Ln

Rehoboth Beach Museum, 511 Rehoboth Ave

REHOBOTH FOOD & DRINK

1776 Steakhouse, Midway Shopping Center

Aqua, 57 Baltimore Ave

Back Porch Café, 59 Rehoboth Ave

Blue Moon, 35 Baltimore Ave

Café Azafrán, 18 Baltimore Ave

Chesapeake & Maine, 316 Rehoboth Ave

Coho’s Market & Grill, 305 Rehoboth Ave

Diego’s Bar Nightclub, 37298 Rehoboth Ave

Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats 320 Rehoboth Ave

Dos Locos, 208 Rehoboth Ave

Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, 3 South First St

Go Fish, 24 Rehoboth Ave

Goolee’s Grille, 11 South 1st St

Just In Thyme, 38163 Robinsons Dr

Lori’s Café, 39 Baltimore Ave

Loves Liquors, LLC, 305c Rehoboth Ave

Lupo Italian Kitchen, 247 Rehoboth Ave

Purple Parrot Grill, 134 Rehoboth Ave

Rigby’s, 404 Rehoboth Ave

Shorebreak Lodge, 10 Wilmington Ave

The Pines, 56 Baltimore Avenue

302-226-0675

302-227-8484

302-227-2524

302-645-8700

302-227-2050

302-645-0551

302-227-8408

302-227-7310

302-645-9355

302-226-9001

302-227-3674

302-227-6515

302-227-8100

302-226-3600

302-227-2646

302-227-1023

302-226-2739

302-227-3353

302-527-1400

302-226-1044

302-227-7653

302-227-3100

302-226-3066

302-227-6966

302-226-2240

302-226-1139

302-227-6080

302-227-1007

302-567-2726

Grace of God Lutheran, ELCA, 26089 Shoppes at Long Neck

M.C.C. of Rehoboth, 19369 Plantation Rd

302-947-1044

302-645-4945

Seaside Jewish Community, 18970 Holland Glade Rd 302-226-8977

St. George’s Episcopal, 20271 Beaver Dam Rd, Harbeson 302-227-7202

St. Peter’s Episcopal, 2nd & Market Sts, Lewes

Unitarian Universalist, 30486 Lewes-G’Town Hwy

Unity of Rehoboth, 98 Rudder Rd, Millsboro

Westminster Presbyterian, 301 King Charles Ave

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

AARP of Delaware (age 50+)

ACLU of DE—Lesbian & Gay Civil Rights Project

CAMP Rehoboth Chorus—Program of CAMP Rehoboth

302-645-8479

302-313-5838

302-945-5253

302-227-2109

866-227-7441

302-654-5326

302-227-5620

CAMP Rehoboth—LGBTQ Community Service Org 302-227-5620

CAMP Rehoboth Families—LGBTQ parents connect 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 2-1-1Delaware Pride—Community events, annual Pride Festival 302-265-3020

Lewes Senior Activity Center (age 50+)

302-645-9293

Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth 302-645-7449

PFLAG-Rehoboth—3rd Tuesdays, Public Library, 111 Adams Ave, Lewes

Social Security Administration—Georgetown office 800-772-1213

COUNSELING/THERAPY/LIFE COACH

Jewish Family Services .......................................................

Kevin J. Bliss, Personal/Professional Coaching

Nancy Commisso, LCSW, Therapeutic Services

Time to Heal Counseling & Consulting, Lewes

ELECTRICIANS

Silver Electric

FINANCIAL SERVICES

County Bank, 19927 Shuttle Rd

Jenn Harpel, Morgan Stanley

FLORISTS

Windsor’s Florist, 20326 Coastal Hwy

FUNERAL SERVICES

Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium

HAIR SALONS/TATTOO & PIERCING

Beach Cuts, 214 Rehoboth Ave

Gregory Meyers Hair Studio, 20245 Bay Vista Rd & Rt 1

Stephan & Co Salon & Spa, 19266 Coastal Hwy

HEALTH-RELATED

AIDS Delaware – Kent & Sussex Counties

AIDS Delaware – New Castle County

AIDS Hotline – Delaware statewide

Brandywine Urology Consultants

Beebe Healthcare, 26744 J.J. Williams Hwy

CAMPsafe AIDS education & prevention program of CAMP Rehoboth

Christiana Care HIV Wellness Clinic

Christiana Care LGBTQ+ Health Initiatives

Delaware HIV Consortium - Statewide

Delaware Hospice

Delaware Total Foot & Ankle Center

National Alliance on Mental Illness of DE (NAMI)

Rehoboth Beach Dental, 19643 Blue Bird Ln

Maplewood Dental Associates, 18912 J.J. Williams Hwy

INSURANCE

Eric Blondin, State Farm

Jeanine O’Donnell, State Farm

LEGAL/ACCOUNTING/TRUST SERVICES

PWW Law LLC, 1519 Savannah Rd, Lewes

Steven Falcone CPA, Taxes & Planning

MASSAGE THERAPY/FITNESS

Midway Fitness & Racquetball, Midway Center

One Spirit Massage, 169 Rehoboth Ave

Reiki CENTRAL, thecentralfirm.com

PEST CONTROL

Activ Pest Solutions, 16803 New Rd, Lewes

PET RETAIL

Critter Beach, 156 Rehoboth Ave

302-478-9411

302-754-1954

703-598-2938

302-574-6954

302-227-1107

302-226-9800

302-644-6620

302-227-9481

302-645-9520

302-226-ROBB

302-727-5331

302-260-9478

302-226-3519

302-652-6776

800-422-0429

302-824-7039

302-645-3300

302-227-5620

302-933-3420

302-733-3113

302-654-5471

800-838-9800

302-297-8431

302-427-0787

302-226-7960

302-645-6671

302-645-7283

302-644-3276

302-628-4140

302-644-8634

302-645-0407

302-226-3552

302-408-0878

302-645-1502

302-226-2690

Pet Portraits by Monique 717-650-4626

PET SERVICES

Brandywine Valley SPCA, 22918 Dupont Blvd, G’twn

302-856-6361

Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association & Delaware SPCA) ......................................................... 302-200-7159

Little Landmines Pet Waste Removal. littlelandmines.com 302-521-3983

Parsell Pet Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy, Lewes ........... 302-645-7445

REAL ESTATE

Allen Jarmon, NextHome Tomorrow Realty

Chris Beagle, Compass

302-745-5122

302-273-4998

Donna Whiteside, Berkshire Hathaway, 16712 Kings Hwy 302-381-4871

Hugh Fuller, Realtor 302-745-1866

John Black, Patterson Schwartz, 18958 Coastal Hwy 302-703-6987

Lana Warfield, Berkshire Hathaway, 37230 Rehoboth Ave 302-236-2430

Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, 16698 Kings Hwy 302-645-6664

Lingo Realty, 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

The Joe Maggio Group, 37169 Rehoboth Ave Ext., #11 ...... 302-226-3770

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

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.

The Sea Salt Table

Southern Egg Salad

Summer tomatoes pulled ripe off the vine are a fantabulous, albeit fleeting, treat. Their cousins prefaced with “hot house” or “imported from Florida” can’t compare. Every summer I feel an urgency to enjoy these tasty red orbs as often as possible.

I grew up on the ultimate summer sammies, BLTs. Fresh-picked tomatoes and leaf lettuce, still warm from the sun. Crisp bacon. Toasted stick-to-the-roofof-your-mouth Wonder Bread. Slathered with mayonnaise, or occasionally *clutch pearls* Miracle Whip. Well, now my mouth is watering. Suffice it to say, those lunches rocked!

Beyond BLTs, my husband and I enjoy tomatoes in a variety of ways from salads to tomato pie. Even just simple slices with salt and pepper. And of course, there’s always caprese.

But one of our favorite ways is with egg salad. Top a generous slice between two halves of a croissant, and you’ll guarantee I’m going back for seconds.

I’m not a huge fan of peeling hardboiled eggs. But then, I can be a bit

of a manchild when it comes to certain kitchen chores. Even slicing green onions peeves me. I think it’s the way they tend to stick to my knife. Silly, I know. People want my cushy problems.

I’ve learned the best way to prepare hardboiled eggs for easy peeling is to steam them instead of boiling. Google it. It works every time. Air frying at a very low temperature also works, although not as consistently. I’ve heard Instant Pots work well in this regard too. I don’t own one, so I can’t vouch for them.

I love the plain ol’ egg salad we’re all familiar with. Mayonnaise, some vinegar, maybe even a pinch of sugar. Delicious.

But I recently stumbled on a southern recipe that I’ve tweaked and want to share with you. It’s laden with pickles and is a bit more mustard forward. And it features pimentos, a southern staple found in everything from mac-andcheese to BBQ sauces.

Give this a try. It’s different but I think you’ll enjoy it. And let’s face it, you really can’t go wrong if it’s on top of a fresh tomato.

Let’s get started, shall we?

BY ED CASTELLI

STEPS

 Mix the following in a medium size bowl:

• scant ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup drained and chopped

bread & butter pickles

• 2 Tbl drained and chopped pimentos

• ½ Tbl Dijon mustard

• 1 Tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 Tbl dried parsley

• Salt & pepper to taste

 Add eight chopped extra-large eggs, smashing the yokes a bit.

TIPS

• I highly recommend Dukes mayonnaise. Shy of homemade, it’s simply the best.

• Don’t let the salad get too wet. I dry my pickles and pimentos on paper towels before chopping them.

• Sometimes I’ll use jumbo eggs and get lucky with double yokes. They make for an extra rich taste.

• For crunch, add some finely diced celery. ▼

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.

CAMPshots

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH

BEACH

Midsummer Madness!

Shades of Blue Pool Party, Rehoboth Pride, Pride Pool Party, Pie Ladies and More!

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1 ) at Rehoboth Beach Pie Ladies 2024: Magnolia Applebottom, Miss France (Jonathan Lockerby), Miss Greece (Derek Luday), Miss Great Britain (Dirk Smith), Miss Australia (Alex Acres), Miss Ireland (George Southworth), Miss Sweden (Leon Vignes), Miss USA (Grant Oines), and Miss Philippines (Dennis Shine), Josh Levic, Scott Lusk, Will Tuttle, Josh Good; 2) RB Pride at Convention Center: Tony Burns, Tony Zacchei, Kristine Reed, David Mariner, Samantha Maloney-Gracie, David Smith, Kenn Williams, Ramona Dobbs, Debbie Lipton, Tina Snapp, Mary Ann Trueheart, Randy Jordan, Sean Younker, Rich Custer, Matthew McLeod.

OPPOSITE PAGE 3) at Goolees Pride Drag Brunch: Regina Cox, Denise Page, Lisa Soens, Chris Bowers, Amethyst Diamond, Regina Cox, George Stakias, Staci Maxwell, Cee Cee Alexander, Bobby Grigorov, Bill Quinn, Brett Svensson, 4) at Clear Space Theatre: Terry Kistler, Chris Berg, Tracy Rossetto, Curt Leciejewski, Lenny Stumpf, Jadine Pilotti.

(More CAMPshots page 66)

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

(Continued from page 64)

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at Diego’s: Joe Zuber, Darryl Ciarlante, Pamala Stanley, Marc Chase, George Toma, Shirley Gilmer, Linda Balatti, Beth Davis, Laura Lotz, Paul Pfizenmayer, Jeanne Allens, Bob Paranzino, David Goldman, Lorne Crawford, Simon Fares, Bill Rouchelle, Antonio Dias, Davis Sharp, John Cianciosi, Marty Rendon, Marty Swartz, Dwayne Sattler, Rick Schnipke, Mike Crandall.

OPPOSITE PAGE: 2 at Pride Pool Party: Tom Rohe, Aidan Bruno, Blake Gault, Tony Zacchei, Bryan Velek, Albert Sanchez, Steve Betts, Michael Sweeney, Dan Kiefer, Kenney Sanchez, Michael Petterson, Chuck McSweeney, Michael Clay, Jay Kottoff, Jennifer Saulino, Mark Matey; 3) Making the Cut Art Reception at CAMP Rehoboth: Cindy Bailey, Rick Weingarten, Debra Dircks, Pat Sharkey; 4) at Blue Moon: Nate Mucceri, Randy Haney, Kat Phills, Charles Esham, Meghan Murphy, Tim Ragan, A.J. D’Orta, Mary Rose D’Orta, Cubby D’Orta, Jim D'Orta.

(More CAMPshots page 104)

Celebrity Interview

Angeria Paris VanMicheals

While she might have cracked the top four on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14, Angeria Paris VanMicheals came into All Stars 9 with a manifested intent: to win. At the end of the competition, it was pageant queen VanMicheals who rose to the top, snagging the crown and $200,000 for the National Black Justice Coalition.

MICHAEL COOK: Con-drag-ulations on winning the crown on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 9! Your crowning video was absolutely wonderful and you looked completely stunned. Would you say that is the correct word to use?

ANGERIA PARIS VANMICHEALS:

That is the perfect word to use—I was stunned! Just shocked hearing my name. Not doubting myself at all, but when you want something so bad, that moment of hearing RuPaul actually say it, there were so many thoughts and emotions in one moment.

MC: During our initial conversation this season, I mentioned to you that the first lip sync of the season that you did to Whitney Houston's "Million Dollar Bill" (Freemasons Radio Mix) was one of the best remixes in Drag Race herstory. When was the moment that you thought you actually could win the whole competition?

APVM: I think I started to feel that way when I won my third challenge—it was my second one in a row. I remember feeling like the front-runner and thinking that I could really win this time, and I was like, "Okay, let's go."

MC: After your win, we got to see so much love online towards you, particularly from your Season 14 sisters. Also, you and Lady Camden both spoke about a conversation the four Season 14 finalists had about goals and you said you wanted to win Drag Race—talk about manifestation!

APVM: Yes, we all sat down in Australia over dinner and we went around the table, “What do you want to accomplish, what do you want to do?” I said, “I want to go back to Drag Race and I want to win.”

After Season 14, I told myself that I wanted to return and have at it again; I wanted to win. They have all been so supportive of me; I’ve been in touch with all of them either by phone or text.

Someone once told me, “You know you’re loved when you don’t have to say a word because everyone else will.”

MC: Does having such tremendous support make it a bit easier when you see the mindless trolls online?

APVM: Oh, it really cushions every single piece of hate that I see. I am going to be honest—I have had my blockers on all week. I saw one or two negative comments and said, "Nope!" I am not doing a lot of social media; I need this moment, I worked hard for it, I deserve to enjoy it. I have seen more posts of people defending me than actual hate. Someone once told me, "You know you're loved when you don't have to say a word because everyone else will."

BY MICHAEL COOK

MC: I usually ask what the winner is going to do with the prize money, but this year, you get to give money to the National Black Justice Coalition. What does that feel like?

APVM: It feels great. I chose the National Black Justice Coalition because it is an amazing organization that cares about something that I care about. I kept saying "I'm gonna win it for you," and that was my attitude the whole time. I've spoken to the founders of the organization since winning, and they are so happy and so proud.

MC: We truly got to see you all giving back to organizations this year that meant a lot to you, and it seems that post-All Stars 9, you all have emerged as close friends from your experience.

APVM: Oh, yes. There were only two people that I was not as close to, and that was Plastique (Tiara) and Shannel. I hadn't really even met them before we walked into that workroom together; maybe I had met them once. Now, those are two of the people that I am the closest to. Especially Shannel.

MC: Since manifestation was crucial to your All Stars 9 success, where do you want to be a year from now?

APVM: I would love to be in a movie—either a movie or a show. I want more TV for my career. Manifesting a major role in either a hit sitcom or preferably something with comedy since that is my thing, or maybe even a movie. That is what we are manifesting—a major role! ▼

Follow Angeria Paris VanMicheals on Instagram: instagram.com/angeriavm/?hl=en

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

Photo: courtesy Angeria Paris VanMicheals’ Facebook.

Deep Inside Hollywood

Jonathan Bennett and Luke MacFarlane Keep on Hallmarking

In these trying times, it’s always nice to have a source of 24/7 coziness, and Hallmark Channel is stepping in to fill that void with Hallmark+, a new streaming service launching in September. This new platform will feature not just your favorite fake-snow Christmas movies but also original content, including two new reality shows featuring the network’s most popular gay leading men. Jonathan Bennett hosts Finding Mr. Christmas, a competition show in which 10 hunky actors compete to become the next Hallmark Christmas leading man; he’ll be aided by the very funny Melissa Peterman as they put these would-be Hallstars through their paces. Meanwhile, Bros star Luke Macfarlane—an accomplished woodworker in his off hours—will help people renovate their homes on Home Is Where the Heart Is, and in each episode, he’ll handcraft a signature piece for the family he’s helping. Comfort viewing ahead; boozy hot cocoa sold separately. ▼

Was Abraham Lincoln a Lover of Men?

The Abraham Lincoln documentary Lover of Men is coming soon to ask the question, “Was Abraham Lincoln queer?” Now, some historians are sure he wasn’t in spite of the historical closet keeping queer public figures under deep cover until the latter part of the 20th century. In fact, until not very long ago, it was considered bad taste to even ask the question. But in the past few decades a new wave of historical thought has prompted everyone to look a little more deeply at the private life of one of America’s most historically significant presidents. Based on a wide variety of source material, including never before seen photos and letters, and including experts like historian Hugh Ryan (When Brooklyn Was Queer ), this film from Shaun Peterson will delve into the details as they’re known today, and why Lincoln’s sexuality might be relevant to history. It hits theaters in September, so take yourself back to school ▼

BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE

Oh. What. Fun. With Devery Jacobs. For the Holidays.

Since her breakout appearances in Reservation Dogs and Rutherford Falls, queer Mohawk actress Devery Jacobs has been popping up everywhere, from the LGBTQ+ cheerleading drama Backspot to Disney+’s Marvel show Echo. Now she’s part of Oh. What. Fun., an ensemble Christmas comedy from director Michael Showalter (The Idea of You). Michelle Pfeiffer stars as a woman who gets, essentially, Home Alone–d by her adult children when she’s left behind from a holiday excursion she organized. They then scramble to find her since she’s the person who makes everyone’s holidays magical. Jacobs co-stars in the film alongside a bevy of faves, including Chloë Grace Moretz, Eva Longoria, Felicity Jones, Jason Schwartzman, Havana Rose Liu (Bottoms), Denis Leary, Joan Chen, Danielle Brooks and Dominic Sessa (who you know from his debut in The Holdovers). It drops later this year on Prime Video, so you’ve got time to plan an LED-light-covered sweater viewing ensemble. ▼

Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer join Blade Runner 2099

You knew it wasn’t going to end with Blade Runner 2049 and your gut instinct was correct. Ridley Scott has more to say and in Blade Runner 2099, a new limited series for Prime created by Silka Luisa (Shining Girls), the stories of replicants and their souls will move forward into the future. It’s a sequel, of course, to 2049, but no significant plot details are public, yet the cast roster already has a legend in Academy Award-winner Michelle Yeoh and a rising star in trans actress Hunter Schafer (Kinds of Kindness, Euphoria). One detail we know: Yeoh will play a replicant near the end of her life. And that’s it. Intrigued as to whether the series will answer the question of androids dreaming of electric sheep (bookish types: IYKYK)? Tune in… well, sometime before 2099 when it finally comes together and streams itself into your life. ▼ Photo: Hunter Schafer; credit Starfrenzy.

Romeo San Vicente recommends A People’s History of The United States.

THE LIFE YOU SAVE…

…May Be Your Own

BY STEPHEN RASKAUSKAS

We Can All Help Prevent Death by Suicide in the LGBTQ+ Community

TRIGGER WARNING: This article discusses suicide and self-harm. If you or someone you know may be experiencing suicidal ideation or intent, you can reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

In the United States, September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

Tuesday, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. Death by suicide is an issue that, unfortunately, affects LGBTQ+ people disproportionately compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Discussing the causes and paths towards prevention is essential.

First, a quick note on terminology: saying "death by suicide" instead of just "suicide" is considered more sensitive, compassionate, and humanizing. This emphasizes that death by suicide is a result of a complex mental health condition, similar to how we describe other causes of death. This phrasing reduces stigma, acknowledges the suffering involved, and respects the person’s experience and the feelings of those affected by the loss.

STARTLING STATISTICS

Some of the most recent, comprehensive statistics about death by suicide in the LGBTQ+ community come from the Trevor Project’s 2024 US National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People. Here are a few of their startling findings:

• LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt death by suicide than their non-LGBTQ+ peers

• 12 percent of LGBTQ+ young people have attempted death by suicide

• 39 percent of LGBTQ+ young people considered death by suicide in the past year

• 46 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth have considered death by suicide in the past year

These numbers should be a call to action for all of us.

MINORITY STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH

While being LGBTQ+ does not inherently raise the risk of suicidal ideation or intent, the minority stress that LGBTQ+ people experience, does. Minority stress is the chronic stress faced by people from any stigmatized or marginalized groups, due to social prejudice, discrimination, and internalized negative societal attitudes.

Death by suicide is an issue that, unfortunately, affects LGBTQ+ people disproportionately compared to their nonLGBTQ+ peers.

For LGBTQ+ people, this stress can manifest in various forms such as harassment, rejection, and violence, both in personal and institutional contexts. The constant experience of such stress can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, significantly increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The Trevor Project found that 49 percent of LGBTQ+ people age 13-17 experienced bullying in the past year.

The lack of supportive environments and resources exacerbates these effects, contributing to higher suicide rates in these communities. And, in spite of an increased need for mental health care, 50 percent of LGBTQ+ young people who wanted mental health care in the past year couldn’t access it, according to the Trevor Project.

Society is getting more and more inclusive all the time, but we have a long way to go. Today, LGBTQ+ people do not enjoy full equality under the law, and as of this writing, there are 527 anti-LGBTQ+ pieces of legislation that have been

introduced, advanced, passed into law, or defeated. Even if some have been defeated, that’s 527 bills too many trying to restrict our rights.

GETTING PERSONAL

Growing up as a closeted queer kid in the 80s and 90s, I frequently experienced suicidal ideation and intent. Growing up in Sussex County did not make things any easier. Both in the home and outside of it, I frequently was made to feel “less than” to the point that I would rather not have been alive.

When Matthew Shephard was killed because of his sexuality in 1998, I was just days away from my 12th birthday. Already, I was scared to express myself because of bullying. But the fear of being “found out” and the risk of violence or even murder made me even more fearful.

I’m grateful that I value myself enough now not to have had suicidal intent for about 25 years. But it’s taken a lot of work. And I’m frustrated that I was born into a world that has made me feel that I don’t deserve to have the same happiness as others.

Things are a little better in Sussex County than when I was growing up. But, especially for trans youth, things are just that—only a little better. We still face everything from micro-aggressions to violence in conservative environments.

I’m surprised that in recent years, even as a middle-aged adult, I’ve experienced homophobic behavior in Sussex County from family, acquaintances, coworkers, and even complete strangers. (I can’t include “friends” on the list, because I don’t consider anyone who has treated me less than to be a friend.) It’s disappointing that sometimes I still cannot feel welcome, even in my own home.

PATHS TO PREVENTION

There are many paths to preventing deaths by suicide, especially among

Continued on page 81.

programs and services are designed to support anyone at any stage of a serious illness, including the LGBTQ+ community. You are not alone. Let us be your expert guide through serious illness care.

DEHO-001 Letters-7.5x4.875.indd 1

communities that are more at risk like LGBTQ+ populations. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 988, offers six quick tips to help us help each other.

Ask: Checking in with someone can reduce the risk of suicidal ideation or intent when done in a caring way

Be there: Be supportive in non-judgmental ways.

Keep them safe: Protect others from scenarios and means that can facilitate self-harm.

Help them stay connected: Provide resources for support, knowing nothing is a cure-all.

Follow up: Ongoing support and check-ins can help reduce risk.

Learn more: Access resources so you can be a good support system.

While the Lifeline’s suggestions can help prevent and support those experiencing suicidal ideation and intent, we also need to address the causes. For LGBTQ+ people, those causes are often queerphobia and discrimination.

We need to work at the legislative level, and locally within our networks of family, friends, and coworkers. Raising awareness creates change.

When we make minority stress and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people a thing of the past, and increase access to essential services like mental health care, we can decrease the risk of death by suicide within our community. ▼

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

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE

Called from the Wild

Let’s Party: August 26 is National Dog Day!

If you've ever watched footage of a wolf researcher, you know that they caution viewers to never, ever, ever turn their backs on any of the wolves in a wild wolf pack. Turns out that Little Red Riding Hood wasn't far off: a wolf may not wolf you down for a snack, but they're not one bit afraid to kill you. Fun times.

Which quickly brings us to this: dogs are no longer considered to be little wolves who've come to Grandma's bedroom to demand the blankets. Let's deconstruct that….

Research suggests that dogs became our companions when wolves joined early homo sapiens at mealtime around the campfire, and that's still the main, most acceptable thought. But aside from the obvious free eats, why did fierce canines give up their wild packs in favor of human packs, long-term? Surely, they could march in and take what they wanted, right?

Yes, but it's complicated. Let's dig further....

Generally speaking, modern dogs and people are more alike than you might think. Because of evolution, we share nearly 85 percent of our DNA and we have more than 17,000 of the same genes. How did that happen? Mostly, we learned to cooperate between species, which led to the mutual changes in us and in dogs. The good news is, science believes that dogs are still evolving in their efforts to live with us.

The cooperation, for instance, is still key in both species. Studies show that being with a dog lowers human stress levels and makes us happy; other studies show that shelter dogs thrive better when they're given human attention. That high voice we use with cute dogs? Yeah, researchers say that it just makes dogs want us more. And get this: you don't even have to teach a puppy to love humans; it's simply a part of a dog, now.

More comparisons, dog to wolf: many dogs are omnivores now (check the ingredients list for your dog's food; you'll find all kinds of veggies), which is something their wolfish cousins would generally never consider. Dog lovers won't be surprised to know that dogs have an eerie way of knowing what we're thinking and feeling, which is another

Generally speaking, modern dogs and people are more alike than you might think.

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

part of dog evolution that wolves lack.

Dogs are excellent readers of human body language and their little faces, according to science, have evolved to show emotion. Savvy dogs have even learned to communicate their wants and needs with a willing human who'll listen. Science suggests that dogs understand that words stand for objects and that the round object is a "BALL." The average dog knows more than 140 words and can act upon them; smarter dogs have been equated to a two-year-old toddler (although the dogs' social skills are better).

Feeling like Dr. Doolittle yet? Because if you love a dog, you should.

You're undoubtedly familiar with service dogs for the disabled, you've seen search and rescue dogs at disaster scenes, and you've seen scent hounds at work on TV dramas. Our pooches are also capable of many more amazing, human-helpful things: some dogs have taught themselves to sniff out diseases (a talent that can be human-taught, too) and alert their humans to a problem, e.g., rising blood sugar levels. Other dogs are naturals at calming their partners, keeping them out of danger, and bringing life-saving medicines.

Dogs are, indeed, our best friends—but sometimes, the opposite is not true. Historically speaking, we were not always kind to dogs. Still today, more than six in 10 American dogs suffer from anxiety. There's a lot of misinformation about the proper food for a dog's health. Anti-vaxxers put their dogs at risk because they refuse life-saving vaccines.

We can do better.

In the meantime, dogs will forgive us. They always do.

And those wolves? At this time in evolution, wolves are wild animals and are, as such, dangerous in the wrong, inexperienced hands. You don't want to invite them in to cuddle in Grandma's bedsheets.

Surely, when they get together, dogs just laugh about that. ▼

Terri Schlichenmeyer’s second book, The Book of Facts and Trivia: American History, came out in January 2024.

MINNIE

Fabulous feline companion of proud childless cat lady Carla (and her partner), Minnie lounges here in her basket.

FUN (ISH) FACT: Minnie has a mild form of cerebellar hypoplasia (wobbly cat syndrome—congenital; not painful; not progressive). She uses a ramp to gain access to the bird viewing station (aka bay window) and to her basket. Kind-of upsides (in her pawrents’ view): she cannot access the tops of tables or plant stands. Or climb drapes.

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

SING OUT!

Meet the ALLIANCE “W

e sang for the Rehoboth Christmas Tree Lighting four times—including the year there was no bandstand and we sang on a flatbed in front of the fire station downtown.” Artistic Director Doug Yetter recalls the early years of what was known as “the Ensemble” of CAMP Rehoboth Chorus. Before there was ALLIANCE, there was the Ensemble. Before the Ensemble, there was CAMP Rehoboth Chorus.

CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, then consisting of 24 members, sang their first concert in 2010. The Chorus continued to grow in size, and shortly after he assumed the baton as Artistic Director a few years later, Doug Yetter assembled an outreach group. This smaller group of singers could respond to requests for performances at public and private events in lieu of the entire chorus and had enough flexibility in scheduling to be available for daytime events. The original group consisted of four singers from each section—alto, bass, tenor, soprano—and four alternates.

The Ensemble’s earliest events in 2014 were an armed forces medley, sung with the Rehoboth Community Band, and a “flashmob” at the Freeman Foundation annual fundraiser, with chorus members mingling in the crowd, then coming together to sing the memorable “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. This was 2014, remember! Other events in which the Ensemble performed included the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party, Senator Carper’s Toys for Tots Christmas Event, Christmas tree lightings at Beebe and at country clubs, Dover Pride, many flashmob events, Barks on the Boardwalk, and most assisted living facilities and adult day centers in the area. Then came the pandemic. Time to reflect and take stock on where the Chorus was and where the Ensemble was. The Chorus had grown in size and quality, and the Chorus (including the Ensemble) season expanded from one concert per year to three, beginning in 2023. The full Chorus, now with 116 active singers, performs two concerts, one each in February and June, and the newly formed

ALLIANCE performs a September concert.

ALLIANCE was so named to reflect its composition: a diverse group of allies dedicated to the mission of CAMP Rehoboth—to Create A More Positive environment inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities—and the Chorus’s mission to reach out to all, celebrate LGBTQ+ diversity, and to bring the community together through the power of song. The new group has 18 singers: five sopranos, five altos, four tenors, and four basses. ALLIANCE is an auditioned group, the majority of whom have been longtime choral singers; many have received professional training.

ALLIANCE performs at various special events, concerts, and community outreach programs throughout the year. Recent events include ones organized by the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice and the Rehoboth Art League, a World AIDS Day service, and performances at assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Their repertoire includes a broad range of styles, including music from classic to contemporary—spirituals, sacred music, holiday tunes, love ballads, comic pieces, pop and rock songs, Broadway and Hollywood tunes, opera choruses, folk songs from around the world, and LGBTQ+ empowerment music. For information about booking, contact chorus@ camprehoboth.org.

After singing recently at The Moorings, ALLIANCE received the following letter of

BY BILL FUCHS

“All worries are chased away when the ALLIANCE singers mount the stage and start taking us off to a land of music and melody…”

Photo: Murray Archibald

appreciation: “Our residents are mostly in their eighties and nineties, so they have long musical memories, and often painful joints. All worries are chased away when the ALLIANCE singers mount the stage and start taking us off to a land of music and melody: the transition is almost instant. We love your musicality and your enthusiasm for your programs; the voices are so good, and the solos pass so seamlessly from singer to singer: no fuss, no big deal…just fun and harmony…. This is the best program we’ve ever had!”

At its upcoming concert, ALLIANCE Singers of CAMP Rehoboth Chorus will take listeners on a journey celebrating the milestones of life. There will be songs of love, “I Will Always Love You” and “Greatest Love of All”; fun, “Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da” and “Mercedes Benz”; inspiration, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”; nostalgia, “Sunrise/ Sunset”; and life’s ups and downs, “That’s Life!”

Dates for the concert are Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28, at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, September 29, at 3:00 p.m. All performances are at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971. Tickets are available at camprehoboth.org. ▼

Bill Fuchs has been with the Chorus since 2016. He loves music, theater, travel, and his long-haired Chihuahua.

CAMP Rehoboth

BY LESLIE SINCLAIR

SPOTLIGHT ON THE arts

CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at the Heart of Our Community

Delaware Division of the Arts Award Winners XXIV

Closing September 9, 2024

The 2024 Delaware Division of the Arts Award Winners XXIV exhibition is currently on display at CAMP Rehoboth and it is truly an inspiring showcase. The August 8 reception offered attendees a unique opportunity to meet the artists, celebrate their accomplishments, view their exceptional works, and enjoy live demonstrations, performances, and readings by the award-winning artists. Don’t miss the chance to experience this remarkable exhibition before it closes on September 9.

Trebs Thompson embarked on her artistic journey without a formal arts background, initially expressing her stories through glass. Following a diagnosis of parafoveal (or macular) telangiectasia, a rare condition resulting in decreased vision, Thompson nearly abandoned her art. However, a latenight epiphany inspired her to adapt her approach, leading her to create large-scale works that are as impactful as they are innovative.

Brandan Henry’s art is a dynamic interplay of observation, imagination, and lived experience. His deliberate use of white space animates the areas around his subjects, highlighting their forms and exploring the concept of invisibility, challenging viewers to consider who and what becomes unseen.

Shakira Hunt’s photography, inspired by the works of Tyler Mitchell and Gordon Parks, delves into themes of identity, gender, trauma, joy, and culture. Her visual storytelling creates a platform for dialogue and healing, offering both universal and deeply personal insights. ▼

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

IMAGES

Left (top to bottom): Losing Sight by Trebs Thompson; Mia by Brandan Henry.

Above: JaQuinne with Flower by Shakira Hunt.

BY JOE GFALLER

Psyche: Centering the Asexual Experience in the LGBTIA+ Spectrum

Clear Space Theatre is partnering with CAMP Rehoboth and LHW Productions in a unique collaboration, developing a new musical based on the Greek myth of Psyche with artists from Clear Space, Broadway, and the Metropolitan Opera. At three concert readings August 23-25, audiences will be the very first in the world to experience Psyche

The musical is written by the queer writing team of Jake Landau (composer) and Emily Garber (lyricist/librettist). I chatted with Garber to learn a little more about her journey and how it led her to tell one of the earliest stories of asexuality in literature as a musical.

Emily identifies as both aromantic and asexual; she does not experience either romantic or sexual attraction.

JOE GFALLER: How has your lived experience as a member of the queer community influenced your work as a writer?

EMILY GARBER: It’s interesting because although I have always been queer, I spent most of my formative years unaware that I was. I’d spent my whole life watching movies and reading books where the main characters had never experienced any interest in romance or

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

Grin and Bear It in the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery | Solo Show by Keith David Trievel

September 14 - October 7, 2024

Opening Reception: September 14, 2024, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

relationships until their “right” person came along—so I figured that I just hadn’t met that person, yet. It was only halfway through college that I started to question why pursuing those kinds of relationships felt more like I was following an accepted script than something I actually wanted.

The more I began to unpack my own very complicated relationship with intimacy and relationships, the more I was able to bring my own experience into my writing in a way that could never be as simple as “and they lived happily ever after.”

JG: Why does the myth of Psyche appeal to you?

EG: Cupid and Psyche has always been one of my favorite myths. I’ve always been drawn in by the eeriness of it and the romance. Looking back, I also think it appealed to me because in many ways it is an allegory for the ace experience. Psyche falls in love with someone she can’t see. Attraction isn’t a piece of her story. It’s also rare to see a woman in mythology have as much agency in her story as Psyche does. She is her own hero.

JG: Why do you think representation for asexual members of the queer community is important?

EG: There are so many ace people I’ve talked to who have had experiences just like mine—who didn’t even realize that it was an option to be ace and spent years feeling as though they were uniquely

This September, CAMP Rehoboth proudly presents Grin and Bear It, a juried art exhibition held in conjunction with the Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend. This year’s exhibition celebrates the strength, resilience, and positivity of the bear community, expanding to include not only bear-themed art but also works of any theme by artists who identify as part of the bear community.

Artists are encouraged to submit their works for consideration by August 25. More information and submission details can be accessed by scanning the QR code provided.

alone. A word you hear over and over and over again is “broken.” Like you’re missing something crucial. And, given that most asexual representation we currently have in media is in characters who are actual aliens and robots, it only reinforces the idea that sexual and romantic attraction are the two things that make us fundamentally human. That you are missing something without them. So having ace characters who are deeply human, and flawed, and who have relationships that are just as deep and meaningful as romantic ones, is so important.

JG: What do you hope audiences in Rehoboth Beach will take away from seeing Psyche?

EG: I hope that they feel transported into a world of myth and magic, and find something in this show that makes them either question or understand more deeply their own relationships to the people they love. ▼

Psyche plays August 23 at 10:30 p.m. and August 24 & 25 at 2:00 p.m. Visit clearspacetheatre.org for information.

Leslie Sinclair is a member of the Delaware State Arts Council and a passionate leader of CAMP Rehoboth’s visual arts program.

Joe Gfaller is Managing Director of Clear Space Theatre Company.

Concurrent with Grin and Bear It, Keith David Trievel is featured in a solo show in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium. Trievel’s mixed media works, combining acrylic paint on recycled canvas, bonded tissue paper, and ink drawing, were born from a fortunate accident while repairing a drawing error. His art has been showcased in numerous group and solo exhibitions nationwide and is part of private and corporate collections across the country. ▼

Exhibitions can be viewed at the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Emily Garber

arts+entertainment

BOOKED SOLID

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley © 2024, Putnam, $29.00, 307 pages

The cake's going to be magnificent. You must've tasted 15 different samples and a dozen frostings, and considered five unique looks before settling on a showstopper. Next, you have to get invitations addressed and in the mail. You have to confirm the tuxes. You have to get flowers and centerpieces ordered. As in The Guncle Abroad, by Steven Rowley, you have to get everyone on board.

Patrick O'Hara couldn't believe how his life had changed. A few short years ago, he was living in Palm Springs, having "retired" from making films. He was in love, happy, and he had temporary custody of his niece, Maisie, and his nephew, Grant. Life was good.

Now...oh boy. Patrick and Emory had split-ish (Emory was still living in Patrick's California home), Patrick was living in Manhattan, making a movie in London, looking for another role soon, and the kids were four years older. Maisie was an attitudinal teen now; Grant was nine and too wise for his age.

They weren't the cuddly kids Patrick once knew—especially since their dad, Patrick's brother, Greg, was getting married again and the kids didn't like Livia, their wealthy socialite stepmom-to-be. Patrick suspected it was because Grant and Maisie still missed their mom. It hadn't been all

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

that long since Sara died. Was a new marriage an insult to old memories?

Patrick didn't think so, and he'd prove it. While Greg and Livia were last-minute wedding-planning, he bought three Eurail passes, one for him and one each for the kids. He'd give them some culture and some new Guncle rules about love. Maybe—was it possible?—he'd even become their favorite GUP again.

But Maisie and Grant had other ideas. They agreed to go on the stupid trip around Europe with their GUP, if Patrick agreed to talk to Greg about calling off the entire wedding. Something old (memories), something new (stepmother), something borrowed (trouble), and something blue (two kids) just had to be undone, and soon.

There's an old saying, to paraphrase, that if the wedding is perfectly smooth, the marriage won't be. With this in mind, The Guncle Abroad is covered: add a snarky lesbian with an entourage, a tipsy sister on a manhunt, a Lothario who doesn't speak English, and lost love, all at a lakeside hotel, and yeah, we're good.

But here's the thing: author Steven Rowley doesn't just make readers laugh. We're covered on that part—the whole pre-wedding scene in this book is pure chaos and LOL funny. Long before that, though, you'll be charmed by Rowley's main character and his desperation to stay relevant, to avoidnot-avoid love, and by his efforts to connect with his brother's kids. And as for the not-so-storybook wedding, well, you know how those things are.

Bring tissues, that's all you need to know.

If you're in need of a rom-com this summer, just bring the bubbly, pop a cork, and make it this one. Reading The Guncle Abroad is best for beach, bench, or back yard.

Loving it? Piece of cake. ▼

HEATHERS

Another Opening, Another Show!

BY NANCY SAKADUSKI

From Live Entertainment to Undead Fun: Milton Theatre

To the relatively short list of good things that came out of the pandemic, you can add Milton Theatre’s Quayside@Nite, a delightful outdoor happy hour and live music concert series that runs throughout the warm-weather months. It’s one of many unusual and crowd-pleasing offerings from Milton Theatre in downtown Milton, Delaware. With what seems like remarkable timing, Milton Theatre bought an adjoining lot along the Broadkill River and converted it into an outdoor venue just months before the pandemic hit. Then in 2020, with the pandemic in full swing, Quayside (pronounced “key side”) became a full-fledged venue where people could gather in an outdoor setting, and Milton Theatre could continue to bring quality entertainment to the region. They named it Quayside@Nite (perhaps

because “Kick Back by the Broadkill River with a Glass of Wine and Listen to Great Music While the Sun Sets” was too long).

“It’s an incredibly picturesque and scenic outdoor venue for us,” says Milton Theatre Marketing Director J.P. Lacap. “The experience is more intimate.” Every Thursday, Quayside hosts a performance that fits the casual outdoor venue. The vibe is less formal than the indoor theater performances, and there’s an outdoor bar and a different food truck each week. Pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, and other foods are available as well (no outside food or beverages are allowed).

Did I mention that admission and parking are free? Just bring your own lawn chair (you must reserve a space online). Or you can make a donation of $10 for an Adirondack chair or $40 for a picnic table that seats eight.

“It’s kind of our thank-you to the

town for supporting us,” says J.P. “It has a community picnic feel…some of the people set up their chairs across from the parking lot by the water and at the bridge. [We decided to] make it free so the community can come and enjoy.”

And Milton Theatre uses the space for outdoor festivals as well.

Milton Theatre’s mission statement includes a commitment to diversity of programming…

Quayside@Nite features some great performers. We’re talking the likes of Christine Havrilla and Lower Case Blues. But check out the calendar now—the last show at Quayside this year is September 19 (shows continue yearround indoors).

A RAINBOW OF ENTERTAINMENT

Milton Theatre’s mission statement includes a commitment to diversity of programming, and with more than 350 events annually, it delivers on that promise. Among the types of entertainment to be found are live music, comedy, musicals, theater, films, and tributes, as well as programming for children. And speaking of kids, Milton Theatre offers summer camps and a children’s theater program with fun and engaging classes that focus on voice, dance, and acting.

That diversity pledge extends to LGBTQ+ programming as well. Milton Theatre started the Milton Pride celebration in 2019, which initially was just a few activities inside the theater. This year they partnered with Sussex Pride and turned it into a major street festival. Performers included Mama’s Black Sheep and the Delaware Rainbow Chorale.

“We had an amazing turnout,” says J.P. He figured if 500-800 people

showed up, it would be a great event. The festival was scheduled to open at 4:00 p.m., but by 3:30 people were already shoulder-to-shoulder in downtown Milton. He estimates 2,500 people participated. “The whole day it was absolutely packed—all ages were there, families were there; it was pretty incredible.”

A scroll through upcoming shows brings in Branden & James, an Elton John tribute, drag legend Miss Richfield, as well as other drag shows—Magnolia Applebottom is a regular.

CUE THE ZOMBIE ATTACK

There’s diversity, and then there’s… zombies. Zombie Fest, another event that began with Milton Theatre, also

And in one of the more brilliant marketing strategies of all time, one of the major sponsors for Zombie Fest is the Blood Bank of Delmarva.

started small—initially it was just a zombie-themed party. “It snowballed into the big event it is now,” says J.P. “Last year, one of the radio stations

commented that the whole of Sussex County was in downtown Milton. I think we had about 6,000 people.” The event includes live (or perhaps undead) music acts, vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, freak shows, zombie makeup stations, costume contests, eerie-themed treats, a laser light show, and the not-tobe-missed zombie walk.

With “Haunted Mardi Gras” as this year’s theme, Zombie Fest 2024 (October 19) will be even bigger and better, with more vendors, more food trucks, more closed-street space, and something for everyone, live or undead. And in one of the more brilliant marketing strategies of all time, one of the major sponsors for Zombie Fest is the Blood Bank of Delmarva.

EXPANDING ON SUCCESS

The first phase of Milton Theatre’s capital campaign, restoration of the historic balcony, was completed last year. The second phase is an education wing, in response to the enormous demand for theater education.

“Our education program is sold out year-round,” explains J.P. “Our summer camps this year were put on sale on Black Friday (November 24, 2023) and in minutes they were sold out.”

The construction will add bathrooms, rehearsal space, and green rooms for the theater, as well as state-of-the-art classrooms. The idea is to provide even

more opportunities for aspiring artists and enthusiasts. “With the expanded space, we hope that we can also expand our offerings to the community to not just kids, but all ages,” he says. Target for completion is winter, 2025.

SERVING AS THE HUB IN DOWNTOWN MILTON

The entertainment is modern, but the Milton Theatre building is over 100 years old. The structure has at one time or another been a movie theater, basketball hall, fire station, social center, and community stage. It has housed retail businesses and restaurants and survived three major fires and countless nor’easters. Now, through strong vision, community support, and thoughtful renovation, Milton Theatre has become (as its mission statement says), “a thriving and dynamic cultural hub that enriches and inspires the community of Milton and beyond.”

Celebrating 10 years in its current form, Milton Theatre seems poised to take it up another notch. To volunteer, become a member, donate, (or audition!), go to miltontheatre.com. ▼

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

Milton Theatre Pride Marquee

OUR SUPPORTERS MAKE IT HAPPEN CAMP

PURPLE LEVEL

Greg Albright & Wesley Combs X

Sondra N. Arkin X

Carol Bresler & Carolyn Billinghurst X

Pat Catanzariti & Carole Ramos*

Polly Donaldson

Jim D’Orta & Jed Ross & AJ, Cubby & Maryrose*

Dawn Dupre & Megan Keating*

Skip Dye & Steven King*

David Grossman & Jeremy Graboyes

William Himelright & David Carter

Judy & Carole Jesiolowski

James W. Johnson & Matthew H. Shepard*

Lynn Johnson*

Kim Leisey & Kathy Solano

Anita Matson

Catherine Niehaus

Jeanine O’Donnell - State Farm*

Chris Rinaldi & Brian Powers X

Jennifer Rubenstein & Diane Scobey X

Danny Sebright

Gary Seiden & Ah Bashir X

Leslie Sinclair & Debbie Woods*

Jen Walker

William E. Cross Foundation, Arthur Brisker, Director

INDIGO LEVEL

Murray Archibald & In Memory of Steve Elkins X

Alex Benjamin & Pete Grover*

Jane Blue & Louisa Watrel X

Joe Brannen & John Klomp X

Deb Chase & Terry Barrera

Beth Cohen & Fran Sneider*

Richard Coss & Mike Hull*

Elbert Leroy Dage

Dennis Diaz & Michael Ewald

Lou Fiore & Jim Burke*

Richard Gamble & Paul Lindsey*

Miguel Gomez & Donald Griner*

Nannette Grimes & Marian McKennan

Bernadette & Michele HumphreyNicol

Peter Karsner X

Jerry Kennedy & Robert Quinones X

Russell Koerwer & Stephen Schreiber X

Roger Kramer*

Susan Kutliroff & Barbara Snyder*

Christine Lay & Mari Blackburn X

Curtis J. Leciejewski, DDS, PA X

Lynette Matson & Laure Larkin

Sherri McGee & Kris Aulenbach

Rick Mowery & Joe Conn X

Tom Negran & Marc Anthony

David Nelson & William McManus X

John Newton & Mowry Spencer X

Kathleen Nilles & Camille Nichols*

Jennifer Noel

Porter-Gordon Family*

Lori & Renee Rocheleau*

Mark Roush & Dave Banick*

Mark Schweizer & Robert Voelker

Mitchell Shahade

George Shevlin & Jack Suwanlert*

Marty Smith*

Tammy Smith & Tracey Hepner*

Jeff Sube & Ross Peddicord*

Frank Surprenant, DDS X

Susan Tobin & Cathy Martinson*

Terry Vick*

Michael & Angel Welborn

BLUE LEVEL

Ronald Bass & George Robbins X

Tim & Meredith Birrittella*

Teresa Bolduc & Kim McGeown*

Chris Bowers*

Karen Brause

Tony Burns X

Coleen Collins & Berdi Price X

Donna Davis & Gail Jackson X

Anne Geary*

Irene & Lou Katz*

Nancy & Tora Kennedy*

Paul & Anne Kuhns*

Kim Parks & Sharon Denny

Deborah Qualey & Karen Gustafson X

Chris Rouchard X

Kimberly Sheaffer & Karen Brause*

Donna Voigt & Jo Hamilton*

GREEN LEVEL

Marge Amodei*

Bernice Bell & Susan Marney

Sharon Bembry & Lois Powell*

Wesley Blickenstaff*

David Bower*

David W. Briggs X

Charlie Browne & Rod Cook X

Barry Bugg*

Cheryl Buxton*

Jay Chalmers & John Potthast*

Paul Christensen & Dennis Morgan*

Stephen Corona*

Lewis & Greg Dawley-Becker*

Mike DeFlavia & Tony Sowers*

Marianne DeLorenzo & Linda Van de Wiele*

Max Dick*

Ann Evans & Wayne Upshur*

Kathy & Corky Fitzpatrick X

Cynthia Flynn & Deirdre Boyle X

Roland Forster & David McDonald*

Bill Fuchs & Gerry Beaulieu*

Kathy Giles & Theresa Leonard

Wesley Hacker & David Block*

Steve Hoult & Rick Bane X

Karen Hugues &

Cathy McCallister X

Anthony Incalcatera & James Buswold

Alex IX & Gare Galbraith

Jon Kaplan X

Deborah Kennedy & Beth Yocum*

Eric Korpon & Steven Haber*

Leslie Ledogar & Marilyn Hewitt*

John J. MacDonald & Douglas James

John Mackerey & Donald Filicetti*

Jill Masterman & Tammy Jackson*

Evelyn Maurmeyer & In Memory of Natalie Moss X

James Mease & Philip Vehslage*

Doug Murray & Bob Mancuso

Dennis Neason & Steve Bendyna*

Kim Nelson & Lori Simmons X

Fran O’Brien & David Gifford*

Keith Petrack & Michael Fetchko*

Anne Pikolas & Jean Charles X

Gail Purcell & Sandy Kraft*

Bill Rayman & Frank King*

Marty Rendon & John Cianciosi*

Sandra L. Roberts

Lucien Rossignol & Tom Harris*

Douglas Sellers & Mark Eubanks*

Sheila Sferrella & Cindy Wedel

Carol Sink

Joseph Steele & Chris Leady*

David Streit & Scott Button*

Laurie & Matthew Thompson

Anne Tracy & Mary Gilligan*

Kathy Wiz & Muriel Hogan X

YELLOW LEVEL

Ann Abel & Carol Morris

Keith Anderson & Peter Bish X

Dale Aultman & Paul Gibbs X

Shannon & Sarah Avery*

Pamela Baker & Diane Dixson*

Mike Ballenger, In Memory of Martin Thomas*

Paul Barbera & Joe Nolan*

Tom Beall

Michael Beigay*

Sherry Berman & Deb Hamilton X

Abby Bernstein & Karen Frank X

Linda Bova & Bridget Bauer - The Sea Bova Associates

Michael Boyle & Greg Murphy X

Mary Ann Brewer

Mark Bromley & David Salie*

David Carder*

Jim Chupella & Jim Wigand*

Dorothy Cirelli & Myrna Kelley*

Steve Clayton & Brad Lentz*

Thomas Conway & Thoth Weeda*

Billy Cox & John Carr*

Monica & Lona Crist X

Drexel Davison - Bad Hair Day?*

Susan Delaney & Susie Ball X

Ann DeLazaro & Annette Potemski

Fred DiBartolo & Steve Wood X

Maureen Dolan & Karen McGavin*

Donna Dolce*

Gail Donohue & Tiny Varner*

Joan Doyle

Albert Drulis & Scott Silber*

Sandy Duncan & Maddy Ewald*

Karen Faber & Lisa Balestrini Faber*

Alice Fagans &

Ruth Ann Mattingly X

Lisa Fernandez & Allison Lindon

Cecily Fisher & Loretta Higgins

Keven Fitzsimmons & Jeff Stroud X

Susan Goudy*

Ken Green & Joe Kearney*

Siobhan Halmos & Beth McLean*

Daniel F.C. Hayes*

Robert Henthorne & Roger Bolduc

Philip Johnson*

Elaine Kakareka

Jim King

Bonnie Kirkland & Wanda Bair X

Jay Kottoff & Mark Matey*

Greg Kubiak*

Patricia Layton*

Greg Lehne

Judy Lettes & Sandra Sue*

Monica Lewis & Ann Zimmerman*

David Lindeman & Andrew Phipps

Frank Liptak & Joe Schnetzka*

Patricia Magee & Anita Pettitt X

Tony Mazzarella*

Jedediah Millard & Alex Reed

Barbara Moulton

Sandy Neverett & Pam Cranston*

Pat Nickols*

Donna Ohle & Susan Gaggiotti X

Judy Olsen & Joanne Kempton X

Maggie Ottato X

Dotti Outland & Diane Mead X

Rutland Paal & Robert Mittleman*

Ilene Palena

Peninsula Gallery - Tony & Carol Boyd-Heron*

Joanne Picone & Kathy Bostedo*

Frank Pirhalla

Stephen Pleskach*

Barbara Ralph X

Gene Roe X

Thomas Rose & Thomas Sechowicz X

Kate Sapio

Mark Saunders & Bob Thoman*

Sheryl Schulte & Jeanne LaVigne*

Troy Senter & Stacey Chan*

Polly Smale & In Memory of Charlotte Reid*

David Smith & Kenn Williams

Susan Soderberg & Terri King X

Diane Sozio & Patricia Hutchinson*

Matthew Stensrud & Michael Cohen*

Greig Stewart & Jake Hudson*

TJ Stone

Michael Strait & Tim O’Bar

Lenny Stumpf & John B. Pitchford*

Kaye Sullivan

Kimberly A. Takacs

Barb Thomas & Colleen Harper

Thrasher’s French Fries*

Lana Warfield & Pamela Notarangelo X

Michael Weinert X

Walter Welsh & Martin Thomas

Steven Wunder & Rod Hastie

Joanne Yurik*

John Zingo & Rick Johnson*

ORANGE

Dawn Alexander & W. Kerr Gracie*

James Apistolas & Christopher Galanty*

Romulus Barba & Dean Yanchulis*

Miriam Barton*

James Beal & In Memory of David Van Patter*

Sue Becker & Mary Ellen Wivel

Joel Berelson & Charles Maples*

Beatrice Birman & Mary Malgoire

Kathy Board & Jackie Maddalena

Boland Family, In Memory of Michael J. Kelly*

Richard Bost & Thomas Moore*

Bill Briganti & Gary Moore*

Ronald Butt & Steve Cannon*

James Carfagno & David Szumski*

Chris Coburn & Anne Kazak X

Mark Conheady*

Lois Cortese & Jill Stokes X

Carl Alan Cox

Kay Creech & Sharon Still*

John D’Amico*

Kathy Davison & Ruth Dickerson*

Ann De Blasi

Linda DeFeo X

J. Lynne Dement & Lisa J. Snyder*

Kevin Doss & Arie Venema*

Lissa Dulany

Brenda Dunn & Karen Anderson*

Susan Eig & Ellen Schiff X

Jeanne Embich*

Peggy & Evie Englebert

Robin Esham

Maureen Ewadinger*

Ellen Feinberg & Lesley Rogan X

Gary Fisher & Josh Bushey*

Otto & Ashley Foster

Deb Fox & Deb Bonneau*

Charlie Gable

Kathleen Gilroy & Rosanne Marroletti*

Worosilo X

Richard Green & Asi Ohana X

Kenneth Currier & Mike Tyler X

John Michael Sophos & Miss Dot Sophos*

Ron Glick & Tien Pham*

William Gluth & Channing Daniel*

Ed Gmoch*

Gail Gormley*

Deborah Grant & Carol Loewen*

Robert Grant & Chris Cossette

Tracey & Erica Hellman*

Nancy Hewish & Vicki Martina*

Bill Hillegeist X

Vance Hudgins & Denny Marcotte*

John Hulse X

Janet Idema & Patricia Higgins*

Madelyn Jablon

Myra Kramer & John Hammett*

Rob & Jean Krapf X

Robin Kroft & Elina Toole

Barbara Lang & Diane Grillo*

Jeanette Laszczynski & Marianne Perry*

James Lawrence & Bob Palandrani

Jim Lesko*

Chip Logan

Duncan MacLellan & Glenn Reighart*

Susan Macy

Robb Mapou & Mike Zufall*

Marsha Mark & Judy Raynor*

James Mastoris & Edward Chamberlain X

Michael & Stephan Maybroda

Ray Michener & Tom Carlson*

Sherril Moon & Louise Montgomery*

Margaret Moore & Sheree Mixell X

Lisa Mosley

Sandra Oropel & Linda Frese*

Carolyn Ortwein & Ann Barry*

Sharon Owens & Doreen Halbruner*

Stephen Pape & Jerry Clark*

Steve Parker*

Ellen Passman X

Patricia Pawling & Jennifer Butz*

Rina Pellegrini

Colleen Perry & Jane Kuhfuss*

Peter Pizzolongo & Carlos Prugue*

Jay Raksin*

Susan Reinagel & Dawn Henderson*

Pat Renninger & Tammy Plumley X

Judy Rosenstein & Elva Weininger X

Deborah & Charles Ross X

Michael Safina & Tim Bean

Katherine Sams*

Richard Scalenghe & Thomas Panetta*

Teri Seaton*

Marj Shannon & Carla Burton*

Frank Shockley & Arthur Henry*

Sam Smulyan

Peter E. Stoeher

Robert Stoltzfus & Gerald Warhola*

Sandra Sullivan & Lorie Seaman*

Terrence Sullivan

Lisa & Nikki Turgeon-Williams

James Vernicek & Jeff Dailey*

Troy Watson & Dennis Wolfgang*

Don Wessel*

Ralph Wiest & Anthony Peraine*

Lynne Wilmer & Jeannie Marsh

Melanie Wolfe & Monica Niccolai*

Robert T. Wright & Jack Lim*

Sherri Wright & Dick Byrne*

Niki Zaldivar & Cecil McNeil X

Helaine Zinaman & Roselyn Abitbol X

RED

Brenda Abell X

Guy Abernathey X

Dale Adams

Jim Affonco X

Mark Aguirre & Wayne Gleason X

C.J. Albro

Bill Alldredge

Katherine Alteneder

Alan Anderson X

Andrea Andrus & Maggie Shaw X

Peter Antolini X

Patricia Antonisse X

Cynthia Arno

Diane Athanas

Josh Bach & Edward Ginley

Kathleen Bailey X

Christine A. Baker

John Baker & Richard Latham X

Lana Baldwin

Ruth Ball & Mary Ellen Jankowski*

Curtiss Barrows X

John Batchelor X

Deborah Bea*

Karen Beck*

Beebe Medical Foundation*

Alex Belano & Ron Laxton

George Benes & Michael Mallee X

Suzanne Bennethum & Deborah Smith*

Joe Benshetler & Kurt Angell

Jeri Berc X

John Berdini X

Lisa Beske - In Loving Memory of Steve Elkins*

Christine Bielenda & Karen Feuchtenberger*

Thomas Biesiadny X

Debra Bievenour

Lorraine Biros*

Cathin Bishop & Laura Simon X

Ann Black & Kaye Wachsmuth X

Eric Blondin - State Farm Insurance

Rehoboth Beach*

Jacquelyn Blue X

Rev. Dr. Tom Bohache & Tom

Laughingwolf Simmons X

Annabelle Boire X

Carl Bomberger & Mike Rhoads

Robin Bond & Leanna Johannes*

Bob Bonitati X

Joy Boone & Marina Simmers X

Randall Borgerson X

Nancy Bouse & Norma Morrison X

David & Donna Bowman

Brian Boyle & Larry Gee X

Beth Bozman*

Beth Bradley

Jim Brady & Mike Hays X

Emerson Bramble & Randy Butt*

Susan Brinsfield & Barbara Devenport*

Jennifer Broomfield & Dana Broadway

Kevin Brown X

Matty Brown

Tom Brown & James Lemly X

Erin Bryan

Carol Buck

Geoffrey Burkhart & Bruce Williams*

Carol L. Burnett X

Timothy B. Bush X

Richard Buske & Shawn McHugh

Sherry Butler

James Byrnes X

Robertine Cale*

Ingrid Callmann & Karen Askins*

Leslie Calman & Jane Gruenebaum*

David Camorali

Cabrina Campbell & Kimberly Olson

Terri Campbell & Victoria Smith

Michele Campisi & Julie A. Slick X

Matt Carey X

Jim Carlo X

Justine Carpenter X

Shirley Carpenter & Mary Coldren X

Jo Cason & Peggy Neidlinger

Peggy Castle & Debbie Geismar

Sara Cavendish & Wendy Bunce X

Denis Chandler & Sebastion DiMauro

Linda Chaney & Irene Lawlor*

Ann Mei Chang

Helen Chang & Pat Avery*

Dr. Harvey J. Chasser X

Mike Chateauneuf X

Dan Childers & Ted Hernandez*

Tom Childers & John Hall X

Sandra Chinchilla & Michelle Holmes X

Billy J. Christian X

Dennis Chupella & Rob White X

Norma K. Clark X

Rob Cline

Barbara Clipper

Amy Clouse & Betty Long X

Julie Cockley

Anne Cole & Sandra Freeman

Carolyn Cole X

Stuart Comstock-Gay X

Inez Conover X

Sharon Conover

Josh Cooper & Steve Rathburn*

Jeffery A. Coover X

Edith Coppotelli & Joan Ciolko

E. Corbin

Amy J. Cormier &

Alison C. Cormier

Michael Cornell X

Elissa Corrado

Lois Corson X

Mary Costa & Kris Nygaard*

Theresa-Ann Crivelli & Angela Murray*

Thomas Croce

Robert Crocetti X

Bill Cross & David McCall X

Madeline Cunningham &

Linda Matulaitis

Mark Cunningham & Ken Tattersall X

Rich Custer

Howard Cyr & Lynn Ashley*

Judith Daleo

William T. Darley X

Carol Davidson

Denise Davis & Jeanne Bilanin

Jeremiah Davis

Marsha Davis X

Michael Davis

Julie de Mello

Frederick Dean & Steven Swierzy X

Penny Dean*

Scott Dechen & James Maino*

Michael Decker & Arley Jaimes X

Bernie Delia X

Eileen Della Volle

Frank Dell’Aquila X

Tracy Denton & Brenda Welsh

Karen DeSantis & Carol Brice*

David DeVargas & Steven Champion X

Dawn Devries & Helen Krum*

David DeWitt & Larry K. Ash

Henry & Marcia DeWitt X

Geri Dibiase Photography*

Julie Dickson X

Phyllis Dillinger*

Mary Dipietro & Wendy Schadt*

Deb Dobransky & Ketty Bennett*

Arthur Dochterman X

David & Lizann Dockety X

Peg Dolan & Mary McDevitt X

Frances Doyle X

Paul Dradransky X

Michael Driscoll & Ben McOmber X

Barry Dunkin*

Deborah Duran

Gene Dvornick X

AJ Eckman

Eden Restaurant X

Richard Egler

Gail Elliott & Bea Hickey*

W. Kay Ellis*

Lisa Evans & Joann Gusdanovic X

Jacqueline Everett & Vicki St. Germain

Jean Falise & Karen Belles

Susan Farr & Joanne Pozzo*

Rene Fechter & Cynthia Smith*

Larry & Ro Fedorka*

Karen Ferguson*

Virginia Fessler*

Irene & Edward Fick*

Ben Ficks & Bob Angell

Allen Fred Fielding X

Dorothy Filbert

Jerry Filbin*

Kathy Fitzgerald & Lisa Gourley

Kathy Fitzgerald & Alicia Mickenberg

Barbara Fitzpatrick & Denise Centinaro*

Chuck Flanagan X

Nan Flesher X

Paul Florentino & Chris Pedersen X

Sandra Fluck & Bev Pasquarella*

Karen Folger

Mary Ford & Judy Hedrick X

Jodi Foster & Caroline Pellicano

Debra M. Fox & Miriam Perez

Phil Fretz X

Neil Frock & Bob Harrison*

Marilyn Fuller & Teresa Marigliano*

Susanne Furman

Marcia Gallo & Ann Cammett

Jerry Gallucci & Conrad Welch*

Karen Gantz & Jeanie Geist*

Kathryn Gantz & Kathryn Gehret*

Alexis Gardner

Peter Garneau & Dennis Rodriguez

Cheri Garnet

Dona Garofano & Janet Blaustein

Ed Gasper

Mindy Gasthalter*

Wilson Gates X

Charles George & Dennis Rivard X

Gary Gillard X

Joan Glass X

Angela & Cheryl Glodowske*

Karen Glooch X

Ronald Gluck*

Jane Godfrey*

Randall Godwin X

Jackie Goff & Mary Vogt X

Dave Gold & In Memory of James Yiaski X

Milton Gordon & Bill Hromnak X

Teresa Gordy & Barb Ford X

Dan Goren & Peter Robinson X

Robert Gotwalt & Norman Jones*

Bill Graff & Jeff Schuck*

Maryanne Graham

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

Timothy Gualdoni

Helene Guilfoy X

Renee Guillory & Melissa VilaGuillory

Bill Gunning & Joe Greoski X

Linda Haake & Holly Schneider

Gerard M. Haley & George D. Zahner X

Cynthia Hall X

Mark Hare & Mike Newman X

Kelley Harp X

Sue Claire Harper

David Harrer & Floyd S. Kanagy*

Denise Boychuk

Joseph Vescio

Tama Viola*

Don Wainwright & Tom Jamison*

Barb Boyer

Deni Boyer & Loretta Imbrogono*

Renate Costner

Becky & Tom Craft X

Mark S. Finkelstein & Michael Zeik X

Rick Fischer X

Barbara Fischetti & Janet Thoden

Mary Hartman & Laurie Nelson

Jeff Haslow X

Janece Hausch*

Continued on page 100

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Continued on page 103

SUPPORTING LOVE, EQUALITY & THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

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SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

(Continued from page 67)

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at Aqua: Stacey Jennings, Jeff Donovan, Brad Driver, Paul Frene, Ben Horenstein, Philip Townsend, Eileen O’Neill, Melanie Malone, Patrick Carroll, Charles Bowman, Rick James, Barbara Brown, John Walden, Linda DeFeo, Donna Dolce, Bea Hickey, Gail Elliott, Mikki Snyder-Hall, Margie Moore, Claire Synder-Hall, Meg Morgan, Susan Lynham, Annie Wakeling, Leanna Johannes, Robin Bond, Mike Lutz, Todd Siegel, David Bediz, Tim Meinke, Adam Gold, Keith Davis, Jason Mobley, Joe Coates, Charles Wilcher, Ryan Bos, Will Driskill, Bryce Lingo, Connor Poe.

OPPOSITE PAGE 2) at CAMP Rehoboth Flaming Knitters at Panera Bread: Joyce Silberling, Tova Silberling, Laura Bellis; 3) at Rehoboth Art League: Kelly Skeen, Matthew Fried; 4) at RB Museum: Kathy Vining, Terry Plowman, Rim Vining; 5) at Gallery 50: Jonathan Spivak, Lyan Snuggs, Jason Snuggs; 6) at Purple Parrot: Chris Beagle, Melissa Clink, Eric Engelhart, Michael Caruso, Ken Horn, Joe Chiauonne, Kurt Hochstuhl; 7) at The Pines: Marty Thomas, Alexis Conley, Kim David, Bob Suppies, Tracy Stark, Brian Eriksen, Keith Petrack, Charlie Browne, Michael Fetchko, Rod Cook, Carlos Morales; 8) at Poodle Beach: Will Tuttle, Mike Wilkinson, Brian Heldson, Sam Gerbino, Tom Crooks, R.J. Cord, Maria DeLucia, Frank Fleury, Santiago Lopez, Scott Shaughnessy.

(More CAMPshots page 106)

SCENES FROM REHOBOTH BEACH

(Continued from page 105)

THIS PAGE (left to right) 1) at Shades of Blue Pool Party: Stacey Jennings, Brad Driver, Chris Hockenbrock, Dane Hockenbrock, Ryan Reed, Jordan Boland, Frank Dermatitis, Pete Abraldes, Chris Beagle, Michael Beigay, Keith Petrack, Paul Frene, Teri Seaton, Joanie Seaton, Luke Rothman, Jared Rothman, Keith Fatula, Jonathan Mattner, Javier Mendoza, Beth Yocum, Angelo Tabbita, Deb Kennedy, David Hernandez, Chad Stover, Jimmy Nocera, Christina Nocera, Chad-Alan Carr, Matt Rice, Mark Queen.

OPPOSITE PAGE: 2) at at Shades of Blue Pool Party: Brandon Tao, Ryan Portel, Tim Murray, Ken Geissler, John Hackett, Tom Newton, Joe Matassino, Kristen Blanet, Brian Moore, Bernedette Murphy, John Moore, 3) Rod Cook Art Reception at Back Porch Café: Joe Filipek, Ella Thompson, Larry Richardson, Rod Cook, Dmitry Shubich, RB Mayor Stan Mills, Marcia Maldeis, RB Commissioner Edward Chrzanowski, Sandra Skidmore, Jonathan Handy; 4) Peter Rosenstein Author Talk at CAMP Rehoboth: Kevin Naff, Peter Rosenstein, Danny Sebright, Lisa Schlosser, Kim Leisey, David Garrett; 5) Yvie Oddly Author Talk at CAMP Rehoboth: Yvie Oddly, Roxy Overbrooke. ▼

The REAL DIRT

What’s in Your Backyard?

Iwas recently relaxing at a friend’s pool, that backs up to a nature preserve. We were discussing trees, of course, and how I thought he had a water oak on his property, considered rare in our region. The conversation turned to another tree just off his property. It happens to be Delaware’s largest Atlantic white cedar coming in at 38 inches in diameter. Truly a stunning find.

The Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), a unique and valuable conifer, is an integral component of the ecosystem along the eastern seaboard of the United States. This tree, also known as the swamp cedar or southern white cedar, inhabits freshwater wetlands from Maine to Florida, playing a crucial role in these delicate environments.

Atlantic white cedar is a slender, evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 80 feet, with a trunk diameter of about two to three feet. Its scale-like leaves are bluish-green, and it produces small, rounded cones. The bark is thin, fibrous, and reddish-brown, and can be peeled off in long strips. The tree’s growth pattern is distinctive, with branches that extend horizontally, forming a narrow, conical shape.

This species thrives in acidic, water-saturated soils found in coastal plains and swampy areas. It is most commonly found in freshwater wetlands, such as bogs and swamps, where it forms dense stands. These stands, known as cedar swamps, are ecologically significant as they support a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. A local example can be found among the boardwalk trails at Abbot’s Mill outside Milford.

Atlantic white cedar swamps are biodiversity hotspots. They provide habitat for numerous species, some of which are rare or endangered. The tree's dense foliage offers shelter for birds like the black-throated green warbler and mammals such as the river otter. The swampy conditions also support unique plant communities, including carnivorous plants like the pitcher plant and sundew.

The tree also plays a critical role in carbon sequestration. The wetland soils in which it grows store large amounts of organic carbon, helping to mitigate climate change. These ecosystems also act as natural water filters, improving water quality by trapping sediments and absorbing pollutants.

These stands, known as cedar swamps, are ecologically significant as they support a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects.

Historically, Atlantic white cedar has been highly valued for its wood. The wood is lightweight, yet durable and resistant to decay, making it ideal for constructing boats, shingles, and fencing. Native American tribes utilized the wood for various purposes, including building canoes and crafting tools.

During the colonial period and well into the 19th century, extensive logging of Atlantic white cedar occurred, driven by the demand for its wood. This overharvesting led to significant declines in cedar populations, particularly in the northern part of its range.

Conservation of Atlantic white cedar

BY ERIC W. WAHL

involves both protecting existing stands and restoring degraded habitats. Many states within its range have recognized the importance of these ecosystems and have initiated conservation programs.

One of the challenges in cedar restoration is the competition from invasive species, such as the common reed (Phragmites australis). Invasive plants can alter the hydrology and soil chemistry of wetlands, making it difficult for Atlantic white cedar to re-establish. Effective management strategies are required to control these invasives and support cedar regeneration.

Climate change poses a significant threat to Atlantic white cedar populations. Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns can alter the hydrology of wetland habitats, affecting cedar growth and survival. Sea level rise is another concern, particularly for populations in coastal areas, as increased saltwater intrusion can make conditions unsuitable for cedar swamps.

To address these challenges, conservationists are studying the tree’s genetic diversity and resilience. Efforts are being made to identify and protect populations that may be more tolerant of changing conditions.

The Atlantic white cedar is more than just a tree; it is a keystone species within its ecosystem, providing numerous ecological benefits and supporting a wide range of biodiversity. Its historical significance and the beauty of its dense, green swamps make it a cherished part of the eastern United States's natural heritage. Conservation efforts, though challenging, are crucial to ensuring that this species and its unique habitat continue to thrive for future generations.

Be safe, and let’s garden together! ▼

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

Photo: Atlantic White Cedar - USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

TALKING TRASH (and Recycling)

Growing Green, South of the Border

Last month I had the opportunity to see composting in a whole different manner than what takes place here in Sussex County. Here, folks like me compost on a tiny level, composting both yard trim and food scrap in our backyards. There are also green waste recyclers that grind yard waste and tree trimmings and compost those materials, as well as BioEnergy Devco that composts ground wood and some chicken waste.

But in our sister city, south of the Maryland line, Ocean Compost and its partner, GoGreenOC, collects and composts restaurant food scraps from 24 restaurants in Ocean City, Maryland. This 501(c)(3) environmental organization has the mission to make Ocean City the first zero waste resort town in the United States. In a contract with Ocean City, the organization collects food scraps two to three times per week from area restaurants. Last year they recycled 170 tons of food scrap. Yes, TONS!

The city finds value in working with Ocean Compost because it diverts a waste stream that otherwise would be shipped to Pennsylvania for incineration. The city pays (the same amount that it pays for waste transport and incineration) to this volunteer-run recycling team to make a state-registered soil amendment: it does not pay more for green work.

Twenty-four restaurants, including The Hobbit Restaurant and the Hilton Garden Inn in Ocean City, sort out the food scraps from preparation and leftovers and put them in their compost bins. An employee from GoGreenOC stops by and picks up their carts—along with carts from other restaurants in town—and drives them out to Ocean Compost in Bishopville, Maryland. There, she meets volunteers ready for delivery. These volunteers spread the scraps, screen them for contaminants such as silverware, plastic bottles, or plastic bags, wet them down, and mix in wood chips and some processed compost.

When I was there in July, it was interesting to see that there were lots of orange rinds from a bar known for its fresh orange crushes. The volunteers add water to the wood chips and food scrap to facilitate composting. The blended mix is traditionally called “feedstock.” Microbes naturally there from

This 501(c)(3) environmental organization has the mission to make Ocean City the first zero waste resort town in the United States.

the environment and from the reused compost start breaking down the food scrap almost immediately.

Unlike my home compost bin, this facility uses a network of pipes and forced air to keep the piles of composting feedstocks well aerated and from getting too hot. Operators keep the piles “cooking” for a few months before allowing the material to cure. The aeration system and pile design reduce odors and vectors. As with most forced air composting facilities, the temperatures in the piles get hot—almost 160° F. This is good, as it kills pathogens and plant seeds in the feedstock.

BY JEFFREY DANNIS

When I spoke with the volunteers, I asked them why they come week after week, sorting through waste food and pulling out trash, despite heat, cold temperatures, and bad weather. They said that it was worth it to do something good for the environment and to return carbon and nutrients back to the soil. Volunteering one or two days per week made them feel good.

Garvey Heiderman of Ocean Compost treats composting seriously. He gets the finished product tested to assure it meets the US Composting Council’s quality standards. The product is registered with the Maryland Department of Agriculture as a soil amendment and he advocates returning the compost back to local farmers.

If you want to support Ocean Compost, they take donations, and use volunteers on Mondays and Fridays. Another way is to identify the participating restaurants and thank them for their extra effort to make Ocean City greener. The list of restaurants can be found at gogreenwithoc.org/composting-in-ocmd.

Why there and not here? Maryland has a food scrap law that requires large producers of food waste to recycle their waste if they are near a composter or recycler. Not so here in Delaware—yet— but they are showing us that it can work, even at a small scale.

I was excited to see their facility and see that a small commercial composter can make it happen. It made me feel good to see them succeeding and kept me motivated to push for more Delaware composting. ▼

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

12:00PM-6:00PM AUG 18

WHY ARE YOU WAITING?

It’s never too late, but it’s better done early.

Many Delaware families overspend on longterm care because they delay planning. Some wait with false confidence, believing they’ll never need long-term care. Others hesitate in fear that they aren’t a good fit for planning. Most just aren’t aware that legal strategies exist to shelter their savings.

Alvin Terry Smith

Alvin Terry Smith, 71, of Millsboro, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024, at his home.

Alvin was born in Washington, DC, on August 30, 1952, son of the late Irvin Smith and Vivian (Minor) Smith. He worked as an information services specialist with the Defense Intelligence Agency, retiring in 2004 after 32 years of service.

Alvin enjoyed gardening and was an amazing cook. During his high school years he worked at an established restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia, as assistant to the chef. He also loved shopping.

He is survived by his husband and companion of 46 years, Wayne Edward Perkins; two daughters, Tina Marie Haynes and Amanda Ellen Perkins; three grandchildren, Jessica Rose (Arzell) Norwood, Jacqueline Oliver, and Megan Pomar; two great-grandchildren, Isaac Norwood and Scarlette Norwood; his special needs nephew who lived with him, James Smith; sister, Tiajuana Smith; brother, Irving Smith; and nephew, Kenneth Smith.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 30, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro. Friends and family may gather after 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Alvin’s name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, Delaware 19963. Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com. ▼

William “Bill” Snow

On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, William “Bill” Snow passed away at the Moorings in Lewes, Delaware. Bill was born in Berkeley, California, and later moved to the Washington, DC area. He attended George Washington University, earning his PhD. There, he met Richie, his partner and husband of 42 years; together they bought their first home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, in 1994.

Bill was a member of the Rehoboth Art League. After retiring in 2009, he became very devoted to his painting and was invited to become a member of the Salmagundi (Art) Club in New York City. Never one to stay idle, he also believed in giving back to his community and became an English as a second language (ESL) instructor at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rehoboth Beach.

Bill will be deeply and genuinely missed by all the lives he touched. Bill is survived by his nephew, Ken Hagist; his sisterin-law, Lin Pagnotta; and some close cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill's name can be made to CAMP Rehoboth, camprehoboth.org/donate, or the Rehoboth Art League, rehobothartleague.org/support/ donate/. ▼

20326 Coastal Highway • Rehoboth Beach, DE (Next to Arena’s Café) 302-227-9481

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SUNFESTIVAL

Join CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL volunteers to make the summer’s biggest party a huge success! Volunteer needs include decor prep, registration, barbacks, ushers, live auction support, security, and much more.

CROP: CAMP REHOBOTH OUTREACH PROGRAM

The CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program (CROP) works constantly to cultivate community and strengthen relationships and the connections between us all. Check the site for monthly volunteer opportunities. Sign up at camprehoboth.com/volunteers.

Your volunteer efforts benefit you and others. — PLEASE VISIT — camprehoboth.com/volunteers to register as a volunteer and to sign up for available opportunities.

THANK YOU

CAMP DATABASE

Sondra Arkin

CAMP FACILITIES

Carol Brice

Lisa Evans

Eric Korpon

CAMP LIBRARY

Glenn Lash

CAMPCIERGES

Joe Benshetler

Barbara Breault

Ken Currier

Adam Emel-Firestone

Jim Mease

Kim Nelson

Pamela Rule

Mitchell Shahade

Patricia Stiles

Russell Stiles

Joe Vescio

CAMPSAFE CONDOM

STUFFING PARTY

Max Dick

Richard Dietz

Mark Eubanks

Richard Gamble

Claire Ippoliti

Paul Lindsey

Jim Mease

Shawn McHugh

Marce McCollum-Martin

Doug Sellers

Dave Walker

CAMPSAFE HIV TESTING AND COUNSELING

Dick Hospital

E.J. Kenyon

Sharon Morgan

Joe Vescio

CAMPSHOTS

PHOTO

VOLUNTEERS

G Michael Beigay

Tony Burns

CROP - DE FOOD BANK

Deb Carroll

Karen DeSantis

Mark Eubanks

Jim Mease

Beverly Miller

Tammy Mundie

Jana Puffenberger

Doug Sellers

Lorraine Stanish

Holly West

CROP - REHOBOTH

ART LEAGUE’S COTTAGE TOURS

Robert Arner

Lillian Berenberg

Rick Buske

Yvonne Cipressi

Richard Dietz

Patti Magee

Barry Moshinski

Kim Nelson

Mark Schaeffer

Lori Simmons

Leslie Sinclair

Joe Vescio

Debbie Woods

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Jane Blue

Pat Catanzariti

Wes Combs

Mike DeFlavia

Amanda Mahony

Albanese

to all the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Volunteers for the period: July 5-August 2, 2024

LETTERS DISTRIBUTION TEAM

Glenn Lash

Jim Mease

LETTERS MAILING TEAM

Nancy Hewish

Grant Kingswell

Vicki Martina

Stephen Palmer

Linda Yingst

LETTERS PROOFING

Barb Ralph

RAINBOW THUMB CLUB

Chris Bowers

Carol Brice

Linda DeFeo

Richard Dietz

Patty DiModugno

Monica Fleishmann

Mitchell Shahade

Rachel Summers

REHOBOTH BEACH

PRIDE

G Michael Beigay

Leslie Ledogar

VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Madelyn Jablon

Marce McCollum-Martin

Jim Mease

Kim Nelson

Rina Pellegrini

John Michael Sophos

Joe Vescio

AD INDEX

LONG NECK SHORESMillsboro. 2008 3BR/2BA w/all 1st-floor bedrooms. 2nd-floor bonus room. Community pool & clubhouse. Fenced corner lot. HOA $113/mt. 14 miles to beach. $415,000 (2067144)

SWEETBRIAR - Lewes. Your own private dock on Redmill Pond. 1974 2BR/1BA modified singlewide. Big shed. Community pool. 8 miles to beach. $130,000 (2065720) Lot Rent $838/mt.

ANGOLA BEACH -Lewes. Remodeled 1973 4BR/2BA. Water views from front deck. Shed. Marina/pool community is 10 miles to the beach.

$178,900 (2055630) Lot Rent

ANGOLA BEACH -Lewes. 1978 3BR/1.5BA home has 10’x30’ sunroom. Fenced yard. Furnished. Community pools, marina. 10 miles to bch. $115,000 (2056560) Lot Rent $715/mt. includes water & sewer.

$705/mt. REHOBOTH BAY - Rehoboth. Water views of White Oak Creek out to the Bay. 1986 3BR/2BA w/VinylTech porch. Pool. Marina. 6.5 miles to beach. $209,000 (2064280) Lot Rent $819/mt.

$734/mt. includes water & sewer

CAMELOT MEADOWS - Rehoboth. 1979 2BR/2BA w/10’x20’ 4-season room. Fenced yard. Covered porch & deck. 2 Sheds. Community pool. 4 miles to beach. $120,000 (2061230) Lot Rent $848/mt.

SUSSEX EAST - Lewes. 1988 2BR/2BA. Split bedroom plan. Enclosed porch + open deck. Shed. Indoor community pool & 6 miles to beach. $99,900 (2065874) Lot Rent $605/mt.

COLONIAL EAST - Rehoboth Beach. Remodeled 2005 3BR/2BA doublewide. Shed w/elec. Community pool. 4 miles to Rehoboth & Lewes beaches. $150,000 (2052192) Lot Rent $903/mt.

SEA AIR - Rehoboth. 2005 2BR/2BA. Split BR plan. Furnished. Hardscaping for low maintenance. Community pool & 3 miles to beach. $120,000 (2067310) Lot Rent $644/mt includes water.

POT-NETS COVESIDE - Long Neck. Water views of the Bay. Remodeled 1984 3BR/2BA - 1,300 sq. ft. 3 decks & VinylTech porch. So many amenities! $199,900 (2065910) Lot Rent $1,105/mt.

SEA AIR -Rehoboth. 1982 3BR/2BA. Parking for 3 vehicles. Porch, patio, shed & outdoor shower. Community pool & 3 miles to beach. $139,000 (2058494) Lot Rent $644/mt includes water.

CAMELOT MEADOWS - Rehoboth. 2003 3BR/2BA Champion doublewide w/ screened porch. Furnished • Turnkey. Community pool. 4 miles to beach. $165,000 (2063618) Lot Rent $677/mt.

BEACH

kitchen

10

1985 3BR/2BA.

& quartz

& pools. $159,000 (2061456) Lot Rent $699/mt. includes water & sewer.

Rehoboth.

2BR/1.5BA with 4-season sunroom for 1,300 sq. ft. Storage shed. Community pool & just 3.5 miles to beach. $99,900 (2063384) Lot Rent $716/mt.

CAMELOT MEADOWSRehoboth. Carport. Furnished. Remodeled 1978 2BR/2BA. 1,150 sq. ft. Shed. Community pool & just 3.5 miles to beach. $155,000 (2065160) Lot Rent $825/mt.

ANGOLA

-Lewes. Remodeled

Pretty

w/SS

counters.

miles to beach. Marina