LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Profile |
by Mark Aguirre |
A Chat with Andy Dorosky
I have known Andy Dorosky for several years now. We met and got to know each other during a period of change for the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association. We attended quite a few meetings together at that time. What I learned about him is that he is not one to waste time on needless discussion, so when he does speak up listen closely. Whatever he's saying is probably important. These days we see each other more often at the Blue Moon. There we can enjoy a drink after a long day of meetings for me and after his work at the Royal Rose Inn he owns and operates next door to CAMP Rehoboth. Mark: What first brought you to the Rehoboth Beach area? Andy: Actually my partner and I came down looking to buy a business. We had been looking for a bed and breakfast in the Cape Cod area, but couldn't find what we were looking for there. I had heard about Rehoboth but had never been here before. Our first visit was April, 1998. We really enjoyed and liked the town. A realtor showed us three different properties. On June 17th that same year we closed on the purchase of the Royal Rose Inn and moved in. Mark: Your partner is Greg Oliver. Tell us a little about the two of you. Andy: We have been together for eight years. Before moving here we were both living in the Albany, New York area. When we moved to Rehoboth seven years ago Greg took a job with the Delaware Department of Transportation. I run the bed and breakfast. Mark: Tell us about your work at the Royal Rose Inn. Andy: Running the Royal Rose Inn is a relatively stress free job. I was in the corporate world for twenty years dealing with day-to-day managerial responsibilities. People come to the inn on vacation and to have a good time. That sets the mood. I basically have fourteen different people stay with us during the week. It's interesting to watch how they interact and form friendships. A large majority are repeat guests. It's nice to see the same people come back every year. Mark: You are on the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association Board. Tell us about that. Andy: The mission of the RBHA is to maintain the character and property values of our homes and give members a voice in matters of concern to the community. I've been on the board of directors for two years. It is important to keep the members informed and educated on important issues that are happening throughout town. We do that through our newsletter, general membership meetings, and our website at www.rbhomeowners.com. Mark: Has the RBHA gone through many changes over the last few years? Andy: The RBHA was founded in 1971 by concerned citizens wanting to stop high rise buildings from being built in the commercial district. The association has evolved over the years. The biggest change over the last few years was that for quite some time the RBHA endorsed political candidates and helped pay for campaign direct mail efforts. At one point the RBHA seemed not to be very inclusive and members were not allowed to attend board meetings. Back in 2001 the members changed the bylaws to prohibit candidate endorsements and began holding open board meetings to encourage members to get more involved. Mark: Where do you go when you want to escape? Andy: The last few years we have been doing gay cruises. They're well run and take you to some very interesting places. You get to meet a lot of interesting people on the ships as well. Mark: Do you have a little known Rehoboth Beach pleasure? Andy: I think so, but everyone is discovering it. It's the off season. I really enjoy the hustle bustle and energy of the summer season. The off season is just as enjoyable as the summer, because it's quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. Mark: If there were one thing about Rehoboth Beach you could preserve for ever what would that be? Andy: The spirit of the town and friendliness of the people. You can walk down the street and complete strangers will say hello or strike up a conversation. That is what makes Rehoboth Beach special. Mark Aguirre, a regular contributor to Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, is a member of the Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners. He may be reached at MarkAguirre@aol.com. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 15, No. 10 July 29, 2005 |