Dr. William (Bill) Sloan, Jr.
Bill Sloan was born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and grew up in Philadelphia. In addition to Philadelphia, Bill also lived in Florida and St. Louis. Bill attended Rutgers University—Camden, Glassboro State University, Glassboro, New Jersey (now Rowan University), and Logan University and College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri. During Bill’s professional career he was a Biology Instructor in the Allied Health Program for Burlington County College, a Special Education Teacher at Camden County Technical School, and was in private practice for 24 years. Before moving to Milton, Bill was a community volunteer assisting the elderly and home bound and worked with the New Jersey Greyhound Adoption Program. When Bill isn’t volunteering for CAMP Rehoboth, he rescues and cares for Greyhound dogs, swims, and enjoys doing anything that involves being outside.
When did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth?
After retiring, I moved to Milton in 2013 and started to volunteer that same year. Ward Ellinger got me involved in the Rainbow Thumb Club—the folks who water the plants and take care of the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard. I’ve been a part of the group ever since.
What events/activities have you been involved with as a volunteer?
In addition to the Rainbow Thumbs in the courtyard, I have helped with mailings, the distribution of flyers and posters for the first annual CAMP Rehoboth Block Party, and participated in the annual AIDS walk.
What’s your best memory volunteering here?
Beautiful summer mornings watering the courtyard plants. That’s a great time to meet friendly people as they enjoy their breakfast from Lori’s Café.
Of the many events held by CAMP Rehoboth, which is your favorite and why?
It’s very hard to pick just one. I enjoy the CAMP Rehoboth Men’s Group, the health programs, and the Block Party held last October. I enjoy all of the events I attend, but I especially enjoy working at those events.
Favorite season here at the beach and why?
That’s easy—summer—it’s a no brainer. As a teacher, I was off every summer, so to me that has always been considered vacation time. And what’s not to love about vacation? Whether I am working in the yard, swimming, or just walking the boardwalk, it’s a great time of year in Rehoboth.
Name a childhood mentor or someone who influenced you while growing up.
My father was always the most positive influence in my life. I learned through example. During the last three years of his life, I attended to him every day as his caretaker—both at home and when he was in a nursing facility. My feeling was that he had taken care of me for 60 years, and it was my time to take care of him. He was my soulmate, and I miss him every day.
If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do?
I would spend it outside walking the dog, swimming, or working in the yard.
Favorite U.S. city and why?
It would have to be Philadelphia. It’s where I grew up. It’s friendly and easy to get around. I really love Center City. And though I’m not willing to pick a favorite Philly food, a cheesesteak sounds really good!
Night owl or early riser and why?
I am up and on the go by 6 a.m. and on the couch by 9 p.m. However, I get most of my energy from the newness of the morning.
Best year of your life and why?
I’m still here, so I would have to say all the years so far. Each one seems to get better.
Favorite holiday and why?
When I was working, any holiday that gave me a day off was my favorite holiday. Summer holidays—with people celebrating outside—bring back the best memories. Now that I’m retired and live near the beach every day is a vacation day and every day is a 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?
All things happen when they are supposed to. So, I guess our struggle and progression is right on target. If we were supposed to be somewhere else, we would already be there.
How long have you been coming to Rehoboth?
My friend (and fellow school teacher) Barb Thompson brought me to Rehoboth Beach in 1974. I vacationed here every summer until moving full-time in 2013. I figured that if I liked it enough to spend every vacation here for 40 years, that’s where I was destined to retire.
Since you began coming to Rehoboth, name the biggest change you’ve seen.
Everything over the last 42 years. It took just as long to drive back and forth to New Jersey as it does now, because Route One was basically a two-lane road. There were farms as far as you could see.
Name three events that have shaped your life to where it is today.
My birth, my birth, my birth. It comes down to the fact that I had a happy childhood, a successful career, and I am a four time cancer survivor. I have had a blessed life.
Describe an ideal date night.
An evening that is comfortable and easy where everyone has fun and goes home happy. That’s a win-win evening.
What are you most thankful for?
I have had so many positive influences in my life that helped me get this far, and I am most thankful that I am still here.
Bill, thank you for your support as a volunteer for CAMP Rehoboth. We appreciate all you do to keep the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard looking beautiful as part of the Rainbow Thumb Club, and we look forward to seeing you again this spring and summer around the courtyard.
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