In recognition of CAMP Rehoboth’s 21st anniversary, we’re continuing our Volunteer Spotlight to honor many of the behind-the-scenes heroes that we’re so fortunate to have in our CAMP family.
The Spotlight is an ongoing column in Letters and features recipients who’ve been selected by the volunteers themselves and you, our readers.
If you know someone whose efforts are worthy of consideration, please make a nomination. We’ll be maintaining a database that will be used to help determine future recipients. Email us at CAMP Rehoboth and put “Volunteer Spotlight” in the subject line.
Eric Korpon: Helping to Keep the Community Center In Shape
Eric’s life has come full circle, albeit via a circuitous route. Eric grew up in the small seaside town of Atlantic Highlands, NJ, where he planned to be a tradesman like his father and brothers. His dad, however, had a different idea and sent him to prep school. He also attended SUNY Maritime College to be a ship captain, but instead became head of security for the largest accounting system in the U.S. Department of Defense.
In 1978, he bought a Victorian home in DC’s Logan Circle neighborhood. Over the next 16 years, he personally restored the home into grand condition. The home has since been featured on Home & Garden TV, in the Washington Post, the Washington Blade, DC North, and Metro Weekly.
Despite this accomplishment, his love of Rehoboth led him to sell his prized home and move into the condo that he and his partner of 22 years, Steven Haber, had bought together years ago.
Eric is “supposed to be retired,” yet with a sense of humor to the employment question he replied, “but you couldn’t prove it by me. I seem to be running as fast and working more nights and weekends than when I had a ‘real’ job.” As he neared retirement, a friend suggested he become a home inspector. Thus Super Snooper LLC was born. Now he’s here in Rehoboth, working as a semi-tradesman, semi-retired, in a small seaside town. His circle is complete.
Eric and Steven now reside in Kinsale Glen, Rehoboth, along with their two cats, Ginger and Maryanne.
When/why did you start volunteering for CAMP?
I’ve always supported CAMP by attending their events. Then last winter, I saw the Facebook notice looking for maintenance help and thought, “I can do that.”
What does CAMP Rehoboth mean to you?
A positive place to go. A positive face for our community. I much admire the way it is set up to be self-supporting.
If you could spend a full day with one person, who would it be? Why?
Barack Obama. I’d love to see what kind of energy propels him through life; ask him how he rose up and succeeded in the face of prejudice, how he deals with the massive pressures of his current life and deals with his critics, yet stays on his “game.”
Wouldn’t you like to be a CAMPer too? How would you encourage someone to get involved with us?
It pays to give back. An older woman I once carpooled with to work, told me, “If you give, it will come back to you ten times—in satisfaction.” She was right.
More self-disclosure…please provide a little known fact about you, until now that is.
Being a quiet kind of guy, let’s just say that I’m a junk food junkie. Can’t keep the stuff in the house.
Assuming you have any, what else do you like to do in your spare time?
Go hiking on Thompson’s Island or other parks, go kayaking (we have four) on Rehoboth Bay, reading, gardening, or making anything with my hands in my workshop…fondly referred to as “Korpon Machine and Foundry.”
We know you love Rehoboth, where’s your next favorite get-away? Why?
Hawaii! I love the climate. There are so many outdoor things to do, hiking, kayaking, surfing. Yes, I have actually ridden a surfboard off Waikiki, and didn’t hurt myself.
Someone reading this wants to buy you a “thank you” beverage. What would it be?
A Cosmo in a wine glass, with a twist. The wine glass is so I don’t spill it, which being clumsy comes easily.
People often ask me, “What’s it like living in Rehoboth year round?” I love that question. How would you respond?
You get it all. The peace and quiet of the off-season, where you know everyone and have the playground to yourself. Then there is the “season” where you can partake of all the high energy partying you can stand.
We’re very grateful for your efforts and talents, Eric, and for helping us keep our CAMP home in good repair!
To volunteer, fill out the volunteer form.
