Linda Yingst
Born in Harrisburg, PA, Linda Yingst received her nursing education in Lancaster. She then spent her 32 year career as a Pediatric Nurse at Lancaster General Hospital, and retired at the end of 1999.
Linda started visiting Rehoboth in the 50s and shared a condo on the Chesapeake Bay for ten years with her friend, Grant Kingswell, before moving here in 2007. Today, she lives in Rehoboth with Grant and his husband, Steve Palmer, both fellow CAMP Rehoboth supporters and volunteers.
Her hobbies include sewing, gardening, jewelry making, watercolor painting, shell collecting, and looking for sea glass. Linda also has two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and one orange striped tabby cat.
When did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth and what events/activities have you been involved with since?
I started volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth in 2007, mostly doing mailings and Letters mailings. Since I have mobility issues, I’m thankful that there’s something here that I can do.
What’s your best memory volunteering here?
The “old days” filling the Sundance bags before the new CAMP Rehoboth addition. There would be ten or more volunteers in the small room at the foot of the stairs crawling over each other to get to the many items that needed to be included in the bags. It was great fun.
Of the many events held by CAMP Rehoboth in our 25 years, which is your favorite and why?
The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus concerts. I just love how the chorus began and have enjoyed watching it grow into the wonderful musical group it has now become. We are so lucky to have such a talented group.
Favorite season here at the beach and why?
My favorite season here is Fall. It is cooler, slower paced, the downtown area is more accessible to the residents and I can truly enjoy this wonderful town that I love so much.
Name a childhood mentor or someone who influenced you while growing up.
My grandparents. All of them. I was lucky enough to live close to my maternal and paternal grandparents. They gave me my love of gardening, music, and antiques.
If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do?
Beachcomb!
Favorite U.S. city and why?
Rehoboth Beach. I have been coming here since the early 1950s. I loved it then and still love it. I have so many wonderful memories here.
Night owl or early riser and why?
Early riser. I love the peace of the early morning and enjoy watching the day begin.
Best year of your life and why?
I cannot pick out a certain year, but have enjoyed my entire life and plan to continue that enjoyment.
Favorite holiday and why?
Christmas. I was born on Christmas. It is a holiday that has so many aspects. These include religious, musical, decorating, family and friends coming together, food preparation, and cookie baking. I love each and every aspect of the holiday.
The LGBT community has made significant progress in the fight for equality over recent years. Did you expect to see this in your lifetime and why or why not?
I never expected to see all of the progress and equality in my lifetime. I am so thankful that it has progressed to the point it is now. As wonderful and important as that is, there is more to be done.
Name the biggest change you’ve seen in Rehoboth and how long have you been coming here?
Rehoboth has more homes and developments in the surrounding areas, and more traffic. I remember when Route One was a two lane road. I have been coming here since the early ‘50s and am so glad that many things are still here from that time; like the residential areas in town as well as Henlopen Acres. I am thankful that our town has not turned into a high rise nightmare.
Name three events that have shaped your life to where it is today.
1) My childhood; 2) my nursing career; 3) my family’s boating years on the Chesapeake, which eventually brought us here to Rehoboth Beach.
What are you most thankful for?
My friends, pets, church, Rehoboth Beach, the ocean, flowers, and being able to enjoy all of them.
Not only do we have CAMP Rehoboth in common, Linda, but I too was born on Christmas and also love each and every aspect of it, just as you explained. So from one Capricorn to another, on behalf of the staff and Board of Directors, our sincere thanks for your many years of support and volunteer efforts here.
Email Volunteer Spotlight Suggestion
