Bob and Alice Mazur
Bob and Alice Mazur met when they were each volunteering with a Christian Youth Organization in Schenectady, New York. They have six children, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and two cats (Lovey and Kate). In 2012, they moved to Rehoboth Beach from Bennington, Vermont.
Bob was born and raised in Cohoes, New York. He received his Bachelor’s from St. Joseph’s College and Seminary and Master’s in Education Administration from North Adams State College. Bob worked for the Singer Co. at Job Corps Centers in New York and Vermont before becoming the Director of Adult Education at the Southwest Vermont Career Development Center where he spent 20 years, retiring in 2012. When he isn’t volunteering, Bob loves to read, travel, and play golf.
Born and raised in Schenectady, New York, Alice received a Bachelor’s in Social Work from State University of New York Empire State College. After moving to Vermont, she worked at a Family Center with minor and single parents before leaving to open the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont where she retired in 2002. After retirement, Alice worked for eight years in the Albany County Jail GED program. She has been a facilitator for “Mastery” Workshops around the country since 1995. Alice is a Reiki Master-Teacher, loves to travel, read, and of course, volunteer.
When did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth?
We began volunteering when we moved here in 2012.
What events/activities have you been involved with as a volunteer?
Sundance, mailing parties, Trans Talk.
What’s your best memory volunteering here?
Sundance with the set up team, and getting to know Murray, Steve, and the team.
Of the many events held by CAMP Rehoboth, which is your favorite and why?
Sundance. We love making new friends, working behind the scenes, and watching the magic grow in four days.
Favorite season here at the beach and why?
While we love all the seasons, our favorite is early fall when the weather is still beautiful and warm, the tourists have gone, and we can actually get to the beach.
Name a childhood mentor or someone who influenced you while growing up.
Bob: My father. He was a great role model, always learning, dedicated to family, and taught me the game of golf.
Alice: My father for his great compassion for people, especially the poor and hungry children, and my grandmother who was Irish, she was a strong woman who knew how to fight for justice and also taught me a good work ethic.
If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do?
Spend more time in meditation and of course volunteer.
Favorite U.S. city and why?
Bob: NYC for its Broadway musicals, museums, and wonderful food!
Alice: Boston for Quincy Market, Gardner Museum, and historical sites.
Night owl or early riser and why?
We used to be night owls until we spent many years having to get up at 6:30 every morning. We are working at getting back there.
Best year of your life and why?
There are so many we can’t pick one. The year we were married, the years when the kids were born, the year we went camping all summer and skiing all winter with family and friends. The first year we went to Ireland, last year when we went to Boulder, CO to see family then to Michigan for a wedding. The year we moved here. The best year or years are when we are with family for weddings, births, and birthdays, and just for fun.
Favorite holiday and why?
Christmas: the baking, music, Christmas tree, and most importantly the whole family gets together for a day of love, fun, and sharing.
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?
Yes, we did expect to see progress when civil unions came to Vermont. However, we didn’t expect to see same sex marriage come so quickly after. Alice testified for same sex marriage in front of a panel of legislators in Bennington, Vermont. We realized in the 80s and 90s that gay and lesbian friends were getting jobs with people knowing who they were and they were more accepted in the work place especially in the fields of education, counseling, and social work.
How long have you been coming to Rehoboth?
We began coming to Rehoboth in the late 90s before moving here four years ago.
Since you began coming to Rehoboth, name the biggest change you’ve seen.
A lot more building!
Name three events that have shaped your life to where it is today.
Bob: Growing up in a large and close family, going away for college study, getting a wider and bigger view of the world, and getting married into a family of six children.
Alice: Growing up in a multicultural neighborhood, being the mother of six children, going to college as my children were growing up.
Describe an ideal date night.
Going to the theatre and dinner!
What are you most thankful for?
Our lives together. Our “family” and friends that are in our lives. Good health. The community we live in. And, two cats, Kate and Lovey.
We are happy you decided to retire in Rehoboth Beach. CAMP Rehoboth, and we appreciate the time you spend volunteering, and for the great work you do with the transgender community. We look forward to having you volunteer with us for many years to come.
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