Mary Brett
Mary grew up in Glendora, New Jersey. While growing up in Glendora, she spent her summers at her family’s beach house in Strathmore, New Jersey, which is a barrier island north of Cape May. Mary says her shoes came off the minute she arrived at the beach at the end of May, and she didn’t put them back on until September. She loved swimming in the ocean, and learned to bodysurf and water ski at a young age. She would walk on the beach for hours collecting beach glass, shells, driftwood, and anything she could use to make a sculpture (Mary is a big fan of backyard sculpture).
Mary worked as a jet engine tech for Pratt & Whitney, worked on nuclear submarines at Electric Boat, and renovated houses. She says she can fix just about anything. However, deep down she has always been an artist with a love for shiny things, and a passion for glass. She is celebrating 30 years as owner of Peaceworks Stained Glass Studio where she makes custom designs of spiritual art class.
Mary says, “I work with the Divine energy of light and color to infuse my one of a kind art glass pieces with the healing vibration of Reiki. Each piece is created through love and light intentionally made with the Divine influence of source energy.” Mary moved to Rehoboth in 2000 and built a house in Bay Vista on the canal. Since then she has had a bit of a journey, and a few houses later, she is now finishing what she calls “a sweet, custom design Cape Cod” on Red Mill Pond. In addition to being an artist, Mary is a triple Reiki Master Teacher with a practice in Rehoboth, and sees clients by appointment.
When did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth?
I began volunteering in 2002. I was one of the original founders of Mermaid Splash.
What events/activities have you been involved with as a volunteer?
I have volunteered for Mermaid Splash, the Women’s Project, and Women’s FEST. Also, I am pleased to say, I created, and facilitate the “Coffee Talk” group which is going strong for its sixth year. The group meets the first and third Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at CAMP Rehoboth. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this amazing group.
What’s your best memory volunteering here?
My favorite memories are of decorating and setting up the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center for the Mermaid Splash dance. It was great fun blowing up balloons and beach balls—hanging lights—setting up the stage—setting tables. Also, when Women’s FEST was an idea, I helped to brainstorm and organize vendors for the event. I love being part of organizing and setting up events.
Favorite season here at the beach and why?
I love the fall—it’s my favorite season hands down! I totally love the off season at the beach, things are slower, and all of the locals seem to come out again.
Name a childhood mentor or someone who influenced you while growing up.
Being a spiritual introvert, I connected to spirit at a very young age. So, my most influential person or people would be the Ascended Masters, and all their wonder. Connecting into my higher power at a young age has shaped my life with kindness.
If you had an extra hour in the day what would you do?
If I had an extra hour, I would practice more Bhakti yoga. Bhakti is one of the five love yogas. I chant sacred Sanskrit to raise my vibration and the vibration of the planet.
Night owl or early riser?
I love the best of both. I am a night owl because I love to see the stars, and value the quiet stillness. I am also an early riser so I can see the sunrise, and watch the world wake up.
Favorite holiday and why?
My most favorite holiday is Christmas! I absolutely love the lights, decorating, and preparing for friends and family. My tradition is to start decorating the day after Thanksgiving. I also love to drive into downtown Rehoboth at night to see the lights on Rehoboth Avenue. And, the season is filled with kindness.
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 always hoped we would achieve equality. It was a monumental day when we received Marriage Equality in Delaware. It was an even more monumental when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality for all Americans.
How long have you been coming to Rehoboth?
I came to Lewes as a kid. My mom would bring us here on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. I came to Rehoboth Beach in the late ‘90s, and built by first house in Bay Vista on the canal.
Since you began coming to Rehoboth, name the biggest change you’ve seen.
The biggest change in Rehoboth was the Main Street Project. The total restoration of downtown Rehoboth, from streets lights to cobblestone in the sidewalks. And, who can forget the roundabout and the light house by the visitor’s information center.
Name three events that have shaped your life to where it is today.
First, would be receiving my first Reiki Master Teacher certification. I am now a triple Reiki Master Teacher Usui, Karuna, and Violet Flame Reiki, with students internationally. Second, renovating the most precious Cape Cod cottage in a little town called Grandville Ferry, Nova Scotia; a beautiful waterfront village in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. And, third, creating and facilitating Coffee Talk, a positive topic discussion group at CAMP Rehoboth, where all are welcome.
Describe an ideal date night.
My ideal date would be playing miniature golf or skee ball, then going out for a large bucket of peel your own shrimp with a couple of beers in a frosted mug. Pair that with laughter and great authentic conversation, and it sounds like a great time.
What are you most thankful for?
I am most thankful for each and every day… seeing the divine in all things.
Mary, we want to thank you for being part of the CAMP Rehoboth volunteer family. Everyone at CAMP Rehoboth is grateful for all the work you do within the community, and especially for all you do for the women in the community. We love having volunteers like you as part of CAMP Rehoboth. Keep doing all the great things you do!