At the start of the pandemic I was distraught at the thought of not being able to to see my granddaughters. Desperate times call for desperate measures. My future son in law suggested I read to my granddaughters outside of a window at their house. Thus the introduction of the “reading window.” And to add to the fun, I decided to dress up every time I appeared. Seeing their precious faces has made the pandemic tolerable.
– Nan Dormans
At the age of 45 I decided to follow in my three daughters’ footsteps and learn to row. At the time I thought it would be a great way to demonstrate to my kids that you can “teach an old dog new tricks” regardless of your age.
I honestly believe rowing saved my sanity at the time as my marriage was falling apart and it gave me a positive way to work through my sadness. And who knew in the process I would become a part of a community that I cherish and meet “My People?”
Seventeen years later I’m still as addicted to rowing as I was in the beginning!
I learned to scull at Bachelors Barge and moved to Vesper 6 years ago. I race sculling and sweeping but much prefer sprint races over head races.
I am a believer that it’s in giving that you receive so I’m happy to volunteer my time at regattas, cleanups, etc. Just ask Clete Graham, as he’s famous for calling and asking, “Hey Nan, can I ask a favor?” Which has included housing a Peruvian team of 6 at my home for IDR and being an American Mum for a team of 26 from Cambridge, UK.
The past four years I have handled the rentals, cleaners and calendar at Vesper Boat Club as well as serving on the board for two years.
Veterans (of any war) hold a place in my heart so the past three years I have been involved in Honor Flight Chicago. That requires me to drive to Washington DC once a month (6x a year) to share a “Day of Honor” with a WW2, Korean or Vietnam Veteran. It’s an incredible honor to share an emotional day with one of our war heroes. I’m so proud to be a part of this program.
I am also the proud mother of four grown children, one terrific son in law and two precious granddaughters. To me, being a mother has been my greatest accomplishment and given me so much joy. I always tell people not much surprises me as I raised four children and lived to tell about it.
I retired from the Cornea Department at Wills Eye Hospital 3 years ago.
Nan gives her time generously during HOSR weekend. When she is not volunteering on land, you will find her on the water racing with Vesper. Passionate, friendly, and always ready to lend a hand, Nan goes above and beyond the call of duty to represent the HOSR and the Philadelphia rowing community. Thank you Nan!