Bob Hoffer and Max Dick and Their Life at the Beach
Bob and Max have shared over 30 years together. They met at a Labor Day picnic in 1980 and even though Max had been on a date with someone else, they quickly discovered they were not only the same age, they were also both teachers.
A retired elementary teacher of 35 years, Bob has a BS Degree in Education from Lock Haven University (PA) and a MS Degree in Developmental and Remedial Reading from Penn State University. Max was a 7th grade science teacher for 12 years and then bought and operated a cemetery monument company for 25 years. He has a BS Degree in Education from Indiana University of PA.
After retiring in 2010, the couple moved to Rehoboth from Altoona, Pennylvania. They reside in the community of Maplewood.
When/why did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth?
As we visited Rehoboth over the years while on vacation, we participated in CAMP Rehoboth sponsored events and kept up with all the goings-on via Letters. We made it a point when we retired and moved here two years ago to get involved with the community, especially CAMP Rehoboth. Our first activity was an envelope-stuffing for a membership mailing.
What’s been your best memory volunteering here?
Our best memory occurred this year as we were involved in the campaign to promote the civil union bill. Making calls to constituents and then being present at Legislative Hall when the bill was passed will be an experience we’ll always treasure.
What does CAMP Rehoboth mean to you?
We’ve seen a change over the years in the atmosphere and attitude of Rehoboth, and CAMP Rehoboth has had a major impact on changing it to be more positive. CAMP has been a bridge connecting the various aspects of our community, and a safe harbor for visitors and locals alike.
What events/activities have you been involved with at CAMP Rehoboth?
We’ve helped with Love, Sundance, various mailings, safe-sex condom package stuffings, and are proud members of the CAMP Chorus. We’ve helped decorate the award-winning Christmas parade floats the past two years, and we are now serving as CAMPcierges in the office.
If you could spend a full day with one person, who would it be? Why?
We would have loved to have spent a full day with Joseph Vincent Paterno, otherwise known as JoePa. As former coach of the Penn State football team, he was an intelligent and caring man that ran his successful program under the motto of “Success With Honor.” Being avid Penn State football fans, we were saddened to see how his career, and now his life, came to a sudden end.
“Wouldn’t you like to be a CAMPer too?” How would you encourage someone to get involved with us?
Our advice would be to just start small, and you’ll get hooked! Pick an area of interest, or share a certain skill or talent you have. You’ll meet and make many new friends, and will acquire a sense of community spirit and a feeling of pride in the group’s achievements.
Tell us something very few people know about you.
Bob: While working at a part-time job at a cemetery during college I locked myself inside a private mausoleum and had to be broken out! Max: I stepped on the foot of Chita Rivera after a matinee performance of Kiss of the Spider Woman on Broadway. Fortunately, she was still able to go on that evening!
What else do you like to do in your spare time?
We love to go to the movies and local theatre productions. We both also act and sing in the CAMP Chorus (and Max sings in Epworth’s choir). Spending fun times with friends, traveling on RSVP cruises, and going to Penn State football games are also favorites. And of course the beach!
Where was your last vacation spot or getaway?
We just got back from a great weekend in New York City! As theatre lovers, we enjoyed seeing three terrific Broadway musicals: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Memphis, and Sister Act!
Civil Unions became law and went into effect as of January 1st of this year. Do you see yourselves taking advantage of this right? If so, details please!
After being together for almost 32 years and working for the passage of this bill, we will definitely be having a civil union ceremony and celebration of some sort. We’re finding out that planning for a “wedding” is hard, so you’ll just have to “stay tuned” for the details!
Who’s your favorite current musician or entertainer? Who’s your favorite of all-time?
Our favorite current entertainer would be Lady Gaga, who is actually an excellent singer and musician and a vocal advocate of gay rights. Bob’s favorite of all time would be Barbra Streisand, and Max’s would be Madonna. We know, how gay!
What is your favorite TV show currently? Of all-time?
Currently, without a doubt, it would be Revenge! OMG! Madeline Stowe can say so much with just her eyes and “smile.” Bob’s all-time favorite would be either I Love Lucy or Leave it to Beaver (since he has both complete series on DVD). Max’s would be Will & Grace or The Carol Burnett Show.
People often ask me, “What’s it like living in Rehoboth year round?” I love that question. How would you respond?
It’s wonderful! It’s like constantly being on vacation without having to travel back and forth. The activities change with the seasons so there’s always something going on. Plus, we love pulling in to a free parking space directly in front of one of our many favorite restaurants and enjoying a delicious meal at a bargain price!
What was your last text, post or tweet?
We don’t tweet, but our latest Facebook posts and text messages have all centered around the death of Joe Paterno.
Bob and Max, in less than two years, you’ve become model volunteers here at CAMP Rehoboth by your repeated willingness to embrace virtually any project or event. Your genuine love and appreciation of this community and our organization is infectious and helps to inspire others. Special thanks for all you do!
Know someone whose efforts should be considered for the CAMP Rehoboth volunteer spotlight? Email your suggestion.
