Celebrating Pine Islanders: Cindy Bickford
If there was only one thing to know about Cindy Bickford, she said the most important thing to her would be doings things for other islanders.
“I feel like there’s a lot of need and if I can do something for someone else, well, I’d like to be known for that. I’d like to help all the wonderful organizations that are out here,” Bickford said.
Now retired from her career teaching exceptional or special education to kids with disabilities, she said, her husband, Alan, was the one who first informed her that there was an opening on Pine Island in the field of special education. She said she called the school immediately to let them know they needed her. The next day she drove to the school for an interview that ended in a job offer.
The love for Pine Island enveloped them immediately, as she recalls having come every weekend for several months until finding their house, she said, on the southern end of the island.
“As soon as we walked in the door, it was like, this is it — we’re taking it. There was never a doubt,” Bickford said.
She immediately familiarized herself with the St. James Civic Association, since the center was so close to their house. It wasn’t long until Bickford got on the SJCCA board and wanted to serve her community in what was formerly the Lyons Club Park, now Kiwanis Park.
“They wanted to just tear it out so I tried to get some people together and the Kiwanis showed up and said, ‘this is what we do,'” Bickford said, explaining that having been the beginnings of her journey with the Kiwanis Club.
With Bickford now helping the Kiwanis Club to repair and rebuild the park, she said they were able to raise $40,000.
Her love the community of Pine Island has grown through the years, first serving on the board and also as president of the SJCCA, followed by serving on the board of Pine Island Kiwanis Club, and then the board of the Beacon of HOPE. Currently, she even volunteers at the Food Pantry.
“In our band, Pine Island Sound, I’m trying to learn to play a bass ukulele,” Bickford said.
Bickford said in trying to explain the island to people, she tells them it’s a laid-back version of Florida you might have found 50 years ago.
“I say the generosity on this island — well you cannot meet with it anywhere. If anyone needs help on this island, everyone is there,” Bickford said.
Bickford said her greatest wish for Pine Island would be to keep the charm.
“I know there are roads but I would like to keep all free space. I would like to see all the land use, like the Calusa Land Trust and the 20/20 land have bike paths on the properties. Hiking and biking on some of these properties that are really big so people can get off the road, and get back on some nice gorgeous land,” Bickford said.
To reach PAULETTE LeBLANC, please email pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com