‘See you around’
To the editor:
Wow! Where to start this goodbye letter.
I have been with Lee County Parks and Recreation for 20 years and it’s time to move on a different life path. I have so enjoyed my years with the department and all my co-workers. My biggest fans are all my little children that I have taught to swim over the years. To see the child’s eyes and parents when it finally clicks, is the highest moments ever in my heart. When you are teaching children and you look and say, “Oh I taught your mom or dad to swim,” you know you have made a difference.
It has never been about the money, always the love of the people on Pine Island. Yes, my awesome aerobics ladies and men that have hung with me so long, rain, cold or the sun shining, they are always there. It gives me such joy to see them visit and talk with each other daily. For some, this is their only outlet, not to mention a kick-butt work out and great music. We have socials, craft fairs, celebrate the holidays and even do a Christmas tree from the Pine Island Pool for the Beacon of H.O.P.E., started an Aqua Angel Team and walked for breast care to help raise money.
I have celebrated births, marriages and even deaths at the pool over the years. All of the people that have crossed paths with me will always have a place in my heart. I could go on and on Gary, Jeff, Elaine, Mindy, Pat, Donald, Ziggy, Judy, Skip, Eric, Kathy, Jim, Wanda, Lois, Carol, Bill, Karen Harry, Mariner Swim Team, Pine Island Fire Department, Kiwanis Club of Pine Island, Bobby Holloway Jr. Organization, Matlacha Hookers and most of all, my wonderful staff, over the years.
I could not even begin to mention all the people that have touched my life in this article, it would take the whole paper. Bob Z. worked with me eight years and I will always remember how much he helped me for eight years. I have to mention the support staff always helping us, Sue Slingerland, Nina Bigler, the retired George Hiller, Chris Nonnenmacher, Danny Holloway and their supervisor Steve Cox of Matlacha.
Of course, my wonderful co-worker since I have been at the pool, Kory Herrin. Could not even image the last 11 years with out her advice and help. So proud of the fine young woman she has turned into and as I write this letter, just got a phone call from our supervisor, Kory, is the new supervisor at Pine island Pool. Kory has been at Pine Island Pool since the age of 15 and I know she will do an awesome job for the pool patrons and Lee County Parks and Recreation. Please congratulate her the next time you visit the pool.
Well, my friends it’s not goodbye, just “see you around.” I am starting my new charter business, Sandy Seas’ Charters. Look for my web page going live November 1 and on the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce web page.
I am a Pine Girl and love my life, family and friends. Always be seeing you at one of the local establishments in and around Matlacha. Please remember, “always look forward, the sun is shining on your back.”
Love and peace to all of you.
Sunshine smiles,
Sandy Reynolds
Bokeelia