Andrea Monetti
Andrea was born and raised in North Bergen, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from New York City. After high school, Andrea worked in two knitting mills as a bookkeeper, and production manager. She was then lucky enough to get a job with Panasonic where she worked during the day, and attended Middlesex College at night, graduating with a degree in Business Administration.
She worked for 20 years at the Panasonic Company as a Supervisor in the Communications/Advertising Department, retiring in 2001. During her tenure at Panasonic, she supervised the intern program, and worked directly with the Vice President on speeches, trade shows, billboard advertising, and administrative policies. Andrea also worked on coordinating the 1996 Olympic program in which Panasonic was a sponsor.
Andrea met her wife Karen Peterman in 1986 while attending the Christmas party of a mutual friend. And as Andrea puts it, “yes, it was love at first sight.” In December 2016, they will celebrate 30 great years together. The two were married in 2004 while still living in Provincetown, MA. In 2006 they decided to move to Lewes to be closer to their family of friends.
Andrea and Karen are parents to a grey tuxedo cat named Marcello. They have a 19 foot center console Key West fishing boat named Dreamcatcher, and from April to November you can find them on the water. Andrea’s hobbies are fishing, boating, gardening, and singing.
When did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth?
My first volunteer opportunity was working at the Splash Dance. That was in 2006 when Karen and I moved to Lewes.
What events and activities have you been involved with as a volunteer?
I am the Music Chair for the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus. I, along with many other members of the chorus, choose the songs for each year’s concert to present to the Music Director for his selection(s). I’ve volunteered for several years during Women’s FEST at the Broadwalk on the Boardwalk, and I have assisted with the Women’s FEST Walking Tour of Rehoboth. I have been involved with several mailings at CAMP Rehoboth. I was “Security” for the Splash Dance.
What’s your best memory volunteering here?
I love singing in the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Ensemble at various Senior Centers. I get so much satisfaction singing for the elderly. It brings so much joy to my heart seeing their smiling faces, and watching them sing along with us.
Of the many events held by CAMP Rehoboth, which is your favorite and why?
Without a doubt, the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Concert. I feel music is food for the soul, and it is reflected in the faces of the audience.
Favorite season here at the beach and why?
Well, that’s easy. It is actually three seasons; spring, summer, and fall because I’m on the water fishing on my boat!
Name a childhood mentor or someone who influenced you while growing up.
That would have to be my mother. She was the pillar of our family. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about her. I miss her every day.
If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do?
I would spend it with my soulmate and partner Karen just talking. I love to talk to her.
Favorite U.S. city and why?
Oh my gosh, there are so many. But, I would probably have to go with Bar Harbor, Maine. That is where Karen and I had our first vacation together.
Night owl or early riser and why?
I am an early riser. Karen is still working, so, I wake up with her, we have coffee, and talk before she goes off to work. That is our quiet time together.
Best year of your life and why?
It would be 1986 when I met my soulmate, Karen. We will be celebrating our 30th Anniversary this year. Wow, time goes by so quickly, so you should enjoy every minute.
Favorite holiday and why?
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I enjoy spending time with our friends and family, giving thanks for all our blessings, and for what we have and share with our friends.
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 would say no. However, I think the younger generation has helped enlighten people to be more accepting of the LGBT Community.
How long have you been coming to Rehoboth?
My first trip to Rehoboth came in 1978. I began to come here periodically after that first visit.
Since you began coming to Rehoboth, name the biggest change you’ve seen.
Stating the obvious, it would be the traffic! More and more development brings more traffic. I hope that we don’t lose the small town feel.
Name three events that have shaped your life to where it is today.
First would be 9/11. I believe that has made everyone realize just how short life can be. Second would be my retirement in 2001. Karen and I moved to Provincetown, MA and stayed for four years. Third would be 2006. We had friends here in the Rehoboth and Lewes area that we missed very much, so we decided to move here.
Describe an ideal date night.
My ideal date night is to buy some take out, and have dinner with Karen on the beach while we watch the sunset.
What are you most thankful for?
Most of all, I am so thankful that I met my soulmate Karen, and I get to wake up next to her every morning. I am also thankful for my health, this community, and our family of friends. Last, I am thankful for my job at Panasonic which allowed me to have a successful career.
Andrea, everyone at CAMP Rehoboth would like to thank you for volunteering at the different events during the past 10 years. And, thank you for all of the work you do on behalf of the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus as the Music Chair. We hope you will continue to volunteer at Women’s FEST, continue to be a part of the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, and the CAMP Chorus Ensemble. We look forward to seeing more of you (and Karen) out and about.
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