Jennifer Rubenstein and Diane Scobey
Diane grew up in New Jersey, lived in Wilmington, and taught school for 36 years before retiring. She’s been a personal trainer with the YMCA for the last eight years. Her hobbies include woodcarving, windsurfing, skiing and pickleball. She attempts to play golf, but after nine years, she’s still not sure if she likes it or not.
Jennifer grew up in southern California and moved to DC in 2000 to take a job with the Public Health Institute. She visited Rehoboth and fell in love with it, relocating here in 2001. She went back to school for degrees in accounting and business. She has worked in nonprofit management, public accounting and now with the Knowland Group, a software company, as a Senior Accountant and Financial Analyst. She enjoys volunteering, biking, and watching movies, but her real passion is dancing. As she often says, she’ll “dance in the Walmart if they play a good enough song.”
Diane and Jen met when Diane took Jen’s two-step class at Women’s FEST. They started dating a year later after seeing each other around town at Friday Happy Hours at Cloud 9, the Starburst Gayla, and at various CAMP Rehoboth events. They had an instant connection and agreed on so many things.
Both Jen and Diane are only children, and they claim they’ve never had a real fight. They got engaged on June 26, 2013 when the Supreme Court announced their landmark decision in the Windsor case, and they were married on the beach in Rehoboth on June 14, 2014. The couple resides on Henlopen Avenue here in Rehoboth, along with their two tuxedo cats, Misty May and Bode Miller.
When did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth and what events and activities have you been involved with since?
Diane: Three years ago. I helped Kathy Wiz with the promotion of Broadwalk on the Boardwalk. I’ve also helped at Women’s Fest, been an auction “runner” at Sundance, a member of the Rainbow Thumb Club (on Fridays in the courtyard), and have helped with various mailings. Jen: I became involved with CAMP Rehoboth quickly after moving here 13 years ago, I worked the door and helped with auctions at Black and White Ball, Love, and a ton of other events. I’ve taught classes at Women’s FEST, and I’ve helped with checkout at the Sundance auction.
What’s your best memory volunteering here?
Diane: Right now, I’m enjoying Fridays in the Courtyard, talking to people about CAMP Rehoboth and helping in the garden. Jen: When working the door or checkout at Sundance, I’m always completely overwhelmed by the generosity of our community. Checking out the outfits worn to some of the dances and events is also really fun.
Of the many events held by CAMP Rehoboth, which is your favorite and why?
Diane and Jen agree: It’s a tie between Women’s FEST and Sundance. Both events offer a wide variety of enthusiastic people and are a lot of fun. Women’s FEST will always hold a special place for us since that’s how we originally met.
Favorite season here at the beach and why?
Diane and Jen agree: We love the busy summer season because we love to go to the beach, soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, and bike all around town. We also love to dine al fresco, so the summer is the best time for all those things.
Name a childhood crush or idol.
Diane: Amelia Earhart. Jen: Steffi Graf.
You’re a fly on the wall of any room, who’s in that room and what are/were they talking about?
Diane and Jen agree: At the U.S. Supreme Court. We would love to know how the liberal-leaning justices convinced Anthony Kennedy to side with them on behalf of Edie Windsor in the case that brought down the Defense of Marriage Act. Thank goodness for that!
Best year of your life and why?
Diane: 2010 when I started dating Jennifer. Jen: 2014 when I married Diane.
Favorite holiday and why?
Diane: Thanksgiving, because ever since I was a child I could really connect to the intention of the holiday, to give thanks for what we have; it doesn’t have any of the commercialism that goes along with other holidays.
Name the biggest change you’ve seen in Rehoboth and how long have you been coming here?
Diane: I’ve been coming here over 40 years, and I’ve seen the positive change that CAMP Rehoboth has made in this town. CAMP Rehoboth has been an important part in making this town a place where I feel comfortable and why I chose to retire here. Jen: When I first moved here, the Streetscape Project was underway and it made a huge change in the character of the town. To see all those power lines go underground and the sidewalks widened was truly amazing. It was a much needed facelift.
Your best vacation ever was to?
Diane and Jen: Our trip to the Galapagos Islands was an amazing experience. There’s no place like it. If you haven’t been, you should go! There was a mommy sea lion nursing her pup right on the trail; we had to step around them. The whole trip was an adventure.
What are you most thankful for?
Diane: To be born and raised by two nurturing people who loved me, loved to have fun, and gave me an appreciation for nature. My parents also made sure I had a good education and career so that I could be an independent woman. Jen: My mother (who died ten years ago today as we have this conversation) was an incredible mom. She was relentless in her demands on me; I was the most important thing to her. Her love was an infinite gift that I still appreciate.
To both Diane and Jen: CAMP Rehoboth is tremendously grateful for the support you’ve given us over the years, in many different capacities. You are a part of what makes this such a unique and special “family.”
Know someone whose efforts should be considered for the CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Spotlight? Email your suggestion.
