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 Nomination
Michael Fetchko and Keith Petrack Talk About CAMP Rehoboth
One of my favorite CAMP tasks is writing this feature because of how much I learn about so many wonderful people. When couples are involved, it’s like looking through a window into the soul of their relationship. Michael Fetchko and Keith Petrack are no exception. My attempt here is to emphasize the commonalities in their separate responses. Not surprisingly, there were many.
Michael and Keith reside in Bethesda MD., where Michael is employed at the National Institutes of Health as a Staff Scientist, and Keith works as General Manager of Quite a Stir Catering.
Both from Pennsylvania, Michael was eager to point out that “we’ve been together almost five years, which is amazing considering Keith grew up on the wrong side of the state.” Keith is from Pittsburgh, Michael, outside Philadelphia.
When/why did you start volunteering for CAMP Rehoboth?
Keith started volunteering first, as a way to honor the passing of his best friend, JT Schreibes, who had been a Sundance volunteer years ago. “Then I really got involved during the era of Love when Bill Aldredge was involved.” Keith then introduced Michael to CAMP Rehoboth five summers ago. “After hearing stories of his work on Love and Sundance weekends and initially meeting such great folks as Steve, Murray, Kathy, Karl, David and Sandra (and many others since!), and seeing what CAMP does for so many folks in Rehoboth, I was hooked.”
What’s been your best memory volunteering here?
Both Keith and Michael said that selling tickets for Love or Sundance on Poodle Beach has been a favorite memory. As Michael puts it, “We get to meet and educate folks who are in Rehoboth for the first or second time, and have no idea what those events are and how they support CAMP’s mission.” In addition, they both mentioned when they were asked to do a runway walk carrying a huge, Ward Ellinger painting for the live auction portion of LottoHeart. Says Michael, “the cheering and flashbulbs for those six minutes of fame were fun!”
What does CAMP Rehoboth mean to you?
Keith responded, “I love the connection to the community that I always feel as soon as I walk through the door! A home base. Somewhere I can find out anything and everything, information of the goings-on in Rehoboth and most importantly that CAMP is such a resource for our community.”
Michael added, “Even if it’s a rainy, quiet Sunday afternoon after a Bloody Mary brunch (Hi, Ann!), it’s always a place to find a friendly face any day you’re in Rehoboth.”
If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do?
Michael and Keith have recently moved in together and both were quick to respond with, “Unpack!” Keith also mentioned digging “out my art supplies and start painting again,” saying he gets “inspired every time” he’s around so many of their Rehoboth friends who are also talented artists, “Rod, Murray, Sondra, Mary Beth, Ward, among others.” Michael’s take was slightly different, “leisurely enjoy an ice-cold martini with Keith before a show or a movie or a good dinner. We’re notorious for always running late and almost never have that time!”
If you could spend a full day with one person, who would it be? Why?
Michael: “I’d pick one of my grandparents so that I could talk to them about their lives and the stories I heard about them only after their deaths.”
Keith: “Besides Michael? My mom. I’d love to just spoil her. Yes, I’m a bit of a Momma’s boy!” (Trust me, Keith, I can relate.)
“Wouldn’t you like to be a CAMPer too?” How would you encourage someone to get involved with us?
Says Keith, “I’d explain all that CAMP does for us and for our community. What you and Steve (Elkins) have been doing recently with the Civil Union efforts is a great example.” (Our pleasure, Keith!)
More self-disclosure…please provide a little known fact about each of you.
Michael considers himself a “fanboy, an unapologetic comic book geek,” while Keith replied, “I was an art major in school, but didn’t finish my degree due to falling in love with the food, beverage, and events business.”
First thought that comes to mind when you hear “Rehoboth.”
Says Michael, “the kitchen of Charlie and Rod’s house, where we’ve had a share for five summers. It’s where everyone in the house starts and ends the day.”
Keith’s response was “Relaxation! As soon as I see the ‘Welcome to Rehoboth’ sign driving into town.”
What do you guys like to do in your spare time?
“Theatre in the DC area” was on both of their lists, along with “finding great restaurants” and “sitting on the beach listening to the waves.”
We know you already love Rehoboth, where’s your next favorite get-away? Why?
This was an easy one for both… “New York City!” Keith added, “We love it there and never get enough of it!”
Someone reading this wants to buy you a “thank you” beverage. What would it be?
These two are definitely a match…both said “martinis,” although Michael’s was an “ice-cold vodka martini,” while Keith’s prefers a “very dirty” version. Both also like a good Bloody Mary…one likes them “thick and chewy,” the other “chunky and spicy.” Sorry folks, I’m not revealing which.
Friends are coming over for a dinner party? What’s your signature dish?
“Rosemary chicken with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts. And unlimited bottles of wine,” says Michael.
Keith was quick to point out, “Michael is the cook in this partnership, I’m the Sous Chef/Operations end of it.”
Not surprising, guys, once again, another example of a perfect pairing. Special thanks for all that both of you have done for CAMP Rehoboth!
To volunteer, fill out the volunteer form.