In recognition of CAMP Rehoboth’s 21st anniversary, we’re continuing our Volunteer Spotlight to honor many of the behind-the-scenes heroes that we’re so fortunate to have in our CAMP family. The Spotlight will be an ongoing column in Letters and will feature recipients who’ve been selected by the volunteers themselves and you, our readers. If you know someone whose efforts are worthy of consideration, please make a nomination. We’ll be maintaining a database that will be used to help determine future recipients. Email us your suggestions. Better yet, come join us. We always need new volunteers!
Gwen and Katie’s Signs Point the Way to Fun - Gwen Osborne and Katie Handy
Gwen Osborne and Katie Handy started vacationing in Rehoboth in 1995, shortly after they first met. At the time, they were both working in Washington, DC for Blockbuster Entertainment, Katie as a Regional Director of Operations in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and Gwen as a District Manager in the DC area.
They’ve been together ever since and continued their treks to Rehoboth, falling in love with the area and its people at the same time. In 2005, they moved here permanently and opened the local Sign*A*Rama, a full-service sign and printing company with over 900 franchise locations.
Gwen and Katie live in Lewes, along with their pet seahorses and other exotic saltwater life.
When and why did you start volunteering for CAMP Rehoboth?
Six years ago when we started our business. Steve and Murray walked into our business to show their support. We started talking to them about CAMP Rehoboth and our relationship with CAMP has blossomed from there.
What’s been your best memory volunteering here?
For Gwen, her best memory really doesn’t involve volunteering but is still a great memory for her. “Katie and I were walking down Baltimore Avenue on a beautiful summer afternoon. We were passing CAMP Rehoboth and Barb Ralph was talking to Kathy Weir on the front porch. Kathy was holding Keith and John’s (Wings-to-Go owners) daughter. Barb and Kathy were babysitting her for a while and it meant “family” to us. That’s what all of us associated with CAMP are about…helping each other and helping the community.” Katie’s was a little more light-hearted. “Steve and I were cleaning broken glass off of the dance floor during an event, I looked around and there was Steve Elkins dancing with the broom.”
What does CAMP Rehoboth mean to you?
Both Gwen and Katie had the same main response, “Family!” Says Katie, “It’s a family that’s there to help anyone regardless of who you are.”
If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do?
For Gwen, “Catch up on reading (I love my Kindle),” and for Katie, “Take a ride with Gwen on our Harley in the country.”
If you could spend a full day with one person, who would it be?
Once again, both girls had the same response, “my parents.” Says Gwen, “They built our summer house in Ellendale, Delaware in 1973. That’s what started the entire Delaware experience for me. I would love to let them know that Katie and I are doing well and I miss them more than they will ever know. For Katie, “I would love to have just one more conversation with them, and a very long hug!”
“Wouldn’t you like to be a CAMPer too?” How would you encourage someone to get involved with us?
Gwen: “I’d take them to an event and let them see first-hand all of the action and people that it takes to do what CAMP Rehoboth does.” Katie: “I’d explain how the organization is very supportive of Rehoboth and how it has helped to make our community a place for all to enjoy. It’s very important to give back when you have a strong belief in what an organization stands for.”
More self-disclosure…please offer us a little known fact about you, until now that is.
Gwen’s middle name is Frances, and Katie raises seahorses.
First word that comes to mind when you hear the word “Rehoboth?”
Both girls had the same one word answer, “Home!”
Cher’s not the only one who’d like to turn back time. If you could, what age/period would you return too and why?
Says Gwen, “Crazy, but I don’t want to turn back time. I love the age I am right now. I feel more secure in my own skin, love seeing my family grow, love being a part of our community and watching it grow. It’s great to know that you are a part of the bigger picture, I hope that in some small way I make a difference in other people’s lives.” Katie on the other hand says, “I’d go back to the ‘80s. It was a very exciting time in my life, coming out, meeting new people, and how can you forget the Diana Ross song “I’m coming out!”
We already know you love Rehoboth, where’s your next favorite get-away?
For Gwen, “Camping in Fort Wilderness in Disney World and on the beach front in North Myrtle Beach,” and for Katie, ”Key West, I love the night life.”
As a teenager, who was your favorite celebrity crush?
Gwen’s, Peggy Flemming, and Katie’s, the Bionic Woman (Lindsay Wagner)
People often ask me, “What’s it like living in Rehoboth year round?” [I love that question.] How would you respond?
Gwen’s response, “I love the busy summers, the sun and the beaches. However, the winters are the best...free parking, local bar and restaurant specials, seeing all of our friends out and about again. Did I mention the free parking?” Katie’s response was similar, “I love the summers when our town comes alive again, but I look forward to the winters and the close family atmosphere. It’s great to be a local!”
I couldn’t agree with you more. Thank you for all you do for CAMP Rehoboth and for being part of our CAMP family.