Ann Evans on CAMP Rehoboth and Life at the Delaware Shore
Together since 1999, Ann and her partner, Wayne, moved to Rehoboth from Silver Spring, Maryland in 2004. They share their home with LC and Oz, two “fabulous felines” they rescued. Ann’s son, Mark, still lives in Silver Spring, but he’s “anxiously pursuing any and all possibilities of moving here.”
Ann considers herself to be “semi-retired,” having worked for a full service landscape company, a property management company, and a law firm, since moving to Rehoboth.
When/why did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth?
As a relative new comer at CAMP Rehoboth, volunteering as a new “CAMPcierge” is right up my alley. After attending the first Volunteer Orientation (in August, 2011), I knew my skills could be put to good use at the front desk. I began in mid October, 2011. I wanted to support CAMP in a personal way after losing my brother, Al Bulliner, in January 2011. Al was a big supporter of CAMP (as well as an original member of the Development Advisory Board) and this is one way I can honor him and continue his legacy here.
What’s been your best memory volunteering here?
The best memory of volunteering here are the constant thank you notes we receive. Everyone is so appreciative. I always look forward to meeting and working with the staff and the many other volunteers here.
What does CAMP Rehoboth mean to you?
“We Care.” It means acceptance of people as they are. It means striving to understand your sister’s struggles and your brother’s fears. It means being there for someone when no one else is there and encouraging that person to become the best they can be. It means HOME.
Tell us something that very few people know about you.
Something everyone may not know is that I happen to be straight (I was born that way), but not narrow as the saying goes. I am also an avid gardener and when I lived in Silver Spring, I actually grew experimental roses for Jackson Perkins. Since moving to Rehoboth I’ve been playing with water gardening and I love the pond and streams I have created in the back yard. I also used to teach bridge and I miss playing the game. Does anyone want to start a bridge group?
First thought that comes to mind when you hear the word “Rehoboth.”
When I hear the word Rehoboth I immediately think of family vacations. My family, like many others, came every summer from the mid 1940s on. We met aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends and always found “room for all.” When my parents were both gone and I was able to relocate I knew exactly where that would be. So in 2004, I left the beltway and madness of suburban Washington and bought a home in Rehoboth. After three different positions here I have semi-retired and I enjoy hosting many friends and family who haven’t been able to leave the madness yet!
Where was your last vacation destination and what influenced you to go there?
What an easy question! I just returned from a week in Costa Rica. It felt like I had been dropped into a tropical garden. Even the “weeds” along their roadsides are the likes of what we see for sale at Lowes in the summertime. We spent several days in the Volcano area and hiked the hanging bridges through the rainforest canopy, then south to the pacific coast. The roads were steep, curvy and very narrow but the tropical wilderness was magnificent. As a lover of nature I was attracted to Costa Rica for its strong stance on conservation. Plus, just imagine a country with no military! One of our guides pointed to the hundreds of leaf-cutter ants marching back to their mound and said, “I’d like to point out Costa Rica’s extensive Army!”
Friends are coming over for dinner. What will you make?
Friends for dinner—happens all the time. I love to cook but I don’t usually follow a recipe. If there’s pasta, fresh veggies, and a red sauce starter, we can have dinner. My refrigerator always holds the makings of a salad and, of course, summertime is better with the grill. I’m old fashioned about this, but grilling must be with charcoal! Beyond that, I suppose chicken cordon bleu is one of my specialties.
Who’s your favorite current musician or entertainer? Who’s your favorite of all-time?
My favorites are Keb Mo (who I learned about from Sesame Street), and we saw them here in Rehoboth at the Jazz Festival one year. As for all-time favorite—Harry Belafonte for his music and his politics.
What is the last book you’ve read? Your all-time favorite?
I’m an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction. Some favorites are Arc of Justice by Kevin Boyle, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski, and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. All of these are recent reads and I keep finding new “all time favorites.”
People often ask me, “What’s it like living in Rehoboth year round?” I love that question. How would you respond?
Living in Rehoboth year round is the best of both worlds. Summer brings all the joys of a three month vacation and the other nine months provide the time to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, besides the wonderful people and businesses that make up this spirited small town.
Would you rather go to the movies or watch one at home? Assuming you have, what was the last movie you watched?
I’d much rather watch a movie at home since I’m not a fan of most “popular” movie genres. I love Netflix for this reason and have found so many titles that have never made it to the local Midway Theater. Two all time favorites, however, are Philadelphia (with Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington), and Iron Jawed Angels (with Hillary Swank).
While a self-proclaimed “newcomer,” you’ve already left a very positive impression for your volunteer efforts here at CAMP Rehoboth. In the interest of continuing your brother’s legacy, I know I speak for many others who’d say, your brother Al would be very proud of you. For me, I’m especially fond of your welcoming hugs! We sincerely thank you, and Al, for supporting CAMP Rehoboth.
Know someone whose efforts should be considered for the CAMP Rehoboth volunteer spotlight? Email your suggestion.