Dottie Cirelli and Myrna Kelley
Dottie Cirelli and Myrna Kelley share a special story. They met through mutual friends and have been together for 25 years. Dottie was raised in Philadelphia, and Myrna grew up in Texas and Nebraska. Myrna has two children and three grandchildren.
In 2007, Dottie finished her career at the NIH (National Institutes of Health) and Myrna ended her career as a commercial property casualty insurance broker in Bethesda, MD. It was at that time that the couple retired to Rehoboth Beach to live full time.
Previously, they had owned a home here for 15 years and had been completing renovations to get their home ready for the final move-in. Since moving here, Rehoboth has been a “wonderful place for retirement and has allowed us to enjoy life as never before.”
When/why did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth and what events/ activities have you been involved with since?
It was about five years ago when various events sparked our interest in CAMP Rehoboth. Our first involvement was with Sundance and through Natalie Moss (CAMP Rehoboth’s Treasurer). Soon after that we started assisting with mailing efforts, Dottie became an active member of the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus serving on numerous committees, and Myrna started volunteering in the CAMP Rehoboth office one morning a week. Dottie has also served on the Women’s FEST committee for the last four years and will now be a Co-chair for the 2014 event.
What’s your best memory volunteering here?
Meeting other volunteers and working together on projects. It’s difficult to select just one, but Women’s FEST, CAMP Chorus, and Broadwalk on the Boardwalk are favorite memories.
What does CAMP Rehoboth mean to you?
CAMP Rehoboth truly accomplishes its mission. It is the cornerstone of the LGBT community and supports the larger community of Rehoboth.
First thought that comes to mind when you hear the word “Rehoboth.”
A place of beauty, acknowledgment and affirmation. It is truly an oasis.
Assuming you live or visit here year round, what’s your favorite thing to do in the off season?
Walking our dogs on our deserted beaches.
If you could spend a full day with one person, who would it be? Why?
Bette Midler—she is campy, smart, strong, and fun.
Fast forward or rewind? If you could go ahead in time or back, which would you pick and why?
We’d like to go forward to a time when no one cares about race, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation…a time when everyone is accepted as an individual.
Host-with-the-Most! If you could pick any four people to invite for dinner, who would it be and why those people?
Rachel Maddow: her wit, intelligence and great conversation; Gloria Steinem: her strategic thinking and leadership role in the women’s movement; Ellen DeGeneres: her humor; and Lily Tomlin: her wit, humor, history. Wouldn’t everyone want in on that dinner party?
Lost! If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you (other than food and water)?
We would want good books, vodka, and a sailboat.
Early bird or night owl? Why?
Dottie’s says that her best time of day is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., while Myrna loves the early mornings, sunrises in the winter, and birds singing.
You’ve just won the lottery. What’s the first thing you’d do with your winnings?
Plan a trip around the world on a private yacht, and putting some aside to invest, give some to family, CAMP, animal welfare, and environmental charities.
Favorite part of a wedding?
The reception and the dancing.
Pet peeve(s)?
Summer traffic on Route One!
What was your last New Year’s Resolution and how long did it last?
Our last resolution was to stop making resolutions and that has stuck!
What was your best job ever? Worst?
Dottie’s worst job was as an airport limo driver. Her best was at the National Institutes of Health. Myrna, fortunately, has enjoyed all of her jobs.
One favorite food? One food you’d never eat?
We both love spaghetti with homemade gravy (sauce).
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Why?
We love it right here in Rehoboth—a real “bubble” of acceptance.
What are you most thankful for?
We are most thankful for each other and our solid relationship, family, friends, and our two dogs, Beau and Teddy.
And CAMP Rehoboth is thankful for both of you, Dottie and Myrna. You’ve each found several niche projects and events that help us tremendously throughout the year. Our sincere thanks for all of your many contributions.
Know someone whose efforts should be considered for the CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Spotlight? Email your suggestion.
