Ed Hotaling
A native of Albany, NY, Ed is a retired educator who spent 36 years working in that field. After earning a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, he worked the next 30 years in the Albany School District, first as a teacher and later as a principal. Before retiring in June, 2006, Ed spent the last nine years of his career as a principal for an alternative school, grades seven to twelve.
Ed was married for 24 years and has “two beautiful daughters,” Siobahn, who is married to her wife Christine in Albany, NY, and Katie, who lives in Brooklyn. As Ed puts it, he “came out in 1998 and fortunately was accepted by family and friends.” For many years he was involved with Our Brothers Keepers Foundation in Albany, serving on its Board of Directors, both as treasurer and president. Ed also served for 11 years on the Board of Directors of his credit union.
Ed first came to Rehoboth ten years ago, and on July 20th of that year, he met his future husband, Ed Miller, an architect from Baltimore. The couple has shared a long distance relationship since that week but on October 5th of this year, they will marry.
In addition to sharing his life with the man of his dreams, and volunteering for CAMP Rehoboth, Ed also loves to cook, entertain, and read.
When/why did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth and what events/ activities have you been involved with since?
I started volunteering at CAMP in late February of this year and have done mailings, volunteered at the Black and White Beach Ball, and I help in the office on Wednesday afternoons.
What’s your best memory volunteering here?
The people!
What does CAMP Rehoboth mean to you?
A loving, caring, and down home place to meet people, become involved with the whole Rehoboth community, and help others.
First thought that comes to mind when you hear the word “Rehoboth.”
The beach.
Assuming you live or visit here year round, what’s your favorite thing to do in the off season?
Enjoy the town and the beaches without fighting for a parking place.
If you could spend a full day with one person, who would it be and why?
Mario Batali. I love to cook and would like to work beside him for a day.
Fast forward or rewind? If you could go ahead in time or back, which would you pick and why?
Neither, I am totally happy in today.
Host-with-the-Most! If you could pick any four people to invite for dinner, who would it be and why those people?
Jesus, Lincoln, Martin Luther King, and Bill Clinton. Can you hear the dialogue about equality with this group?
Lost! If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you (other than food and water)?
My partner, Ed, lots of books, and wine.
Early bird or night owl? Why?
Early bird. I like getting work over with and then enjoy the rest of the day.
You’ve just won the lottery. What’s the first thing you’d do with your winnings?
Pay off my daughters’ loans.
Favorite part of a wedding?
The “glow” on the faces of the newly married couple.
Pet peeve(s)?
People texting while driving.
What was your last New Year’s Resolution and how long did it last?
To go on a diet...a week!
What was your best job ever? Worst?
The best job I ever had was working as a principal. The worst was selling luggage at Macy’s.
One favorite food? One food you’d never eat?
Favorite is Veal Sorrento, and I’d never eat rattle snake.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
Barcelona, it’s a very friendly city with so much to see and do plus the beaches on the Mediterranean are fabulous (and clothing optional).
What are you most thankful for?
My children.
Not only is it my pleasure to extend our sincere thanks to you, Ed, for all of your volunteer contributions here at CAMP Rehoboth, but given that I’m writing this feature on July 20th, it’s also my pleasure to say Happy Anniversary to you and Ed. We wish you a lifetime of happiness together and offer our congratulations on your upcoming marriage.
Know someone whose efforts should be considered for the CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Spotlight? Email your suggestion.