Meet the Sweeties! July 24, 2008

The other day, the entire Sweet Memorial Staff got organized and decided to take a staff photo before all of us start leaving. There were so many cameras, that by the end of the line, people just started making funny faces. That’s ok, because I think it shows off more personality. I’d like to introduce you to the “sweeties”, as we like to call ourselves.

TOP ROW (from left to right)

Keith–Our newest staff member. This is his first season volunteering with his wife at the YMCA, but he has vacationed at EPC for numerous summers with his family. His daughter actually worked at EPC for two seasons in Sweet Memorial. He’s recently retired from his job as a newspaper editor where he worked for over 30 years.

Jessie–One of our “senior staff”. This year, Jessie received her five year pin for working 5 years at the YMCA. During the non-summer season, Jessie works in the day care. Both Jessie and I share a love of nerdy things like computers and comic book movies, and we have a lot of fun hanging out together in and out of work. Jessie graduated from Purdue and is from Indiana.

Emily–The customer service queen. Emily attends College of the Ozarks in Michigan and is majoring in Health and Wellness. She is originally from Branson, Missouri. She has a lot of customer service experience, because back home, she works at Dolly Parton’s Roundup Rodeo as a guest relations manager.

Robbie–The other intern. Robbie is from Chicago and is also majoring in Recreation and Parks Management. This is his third summer at EPC, and last year he was an intern in the L.T. program. He is very religious, and comes from a large family. Robbie, as you can see from his picture, can be a goofball.

Larissa–The flatlander. She hails from a small farming town in Kansas, and knows more about farming than anyone I have ever met. Larissa is the most enthusiatic hiker I know here at the YMCA and is trying to go on as many hikes as possible before she goes back home to Kansas. Larissa is also one of the most considerate people in Sweet and always tries to include others in social events and activities. She’s a great friend.

Caroline–The girl with the cute accent. This sweetie is from Minnesota and just recently graduated with a degree in Communication. She interested in going back to school to study a newly developing field called “health communication”, which I think is very interesting. She is really fun to hike with and a great conversationalist.

Ian–The baby of the family. Ian just turned 19 last month and is the youngest member on staff. Ian loves to run and does all of the hardest hikes in park. I also envy him because he has a bottomless stomach and can eat anything without gaining an ounce. Great sense of humor, especially with his childhood partner in crime, Matt, who is also on the sweet staff. He is from Maryland.

MIDDLE ROW (from left to right)

Rojean–The glue that holds us together! Rojean has been working at EPC for 17 years and will be retiring this October. She is one of 3 year round staff in the department. Rojean is one of a kind because she is very organized and type A when it comes to her work, but is also very personable and friendly. She manages the cashiers in Sweet, and I think it says something about her management skills that all but one cashier has returned from last season.

Me–The BEST intern. By the way, I had my midseason review today… all positive notes, no negative. I’d say I’m doing a great job here! Oh, and I’m the only Californian on staff.

Terri–The quiet and lovable friend. Terri is very soft spoken, but extremely intelligent and always kind to others. It’s impossible to dislike her. She comes from a small town in Illinois. This is also Terri’s 5th season as a Sweet Memorial cashier at EPC. I have hiked with her twice now, and it’s such a pleasure to be in her company. Terri is now finished with school, and is applying for an internship with Amnesty International. I really hope she gets the position.

Crystal–The bubbly sweetheart. Crystal is from Texas and proud of it. She is very good with children and also possesses a witty sense of humor. Crystal came to the YMCA for the summer with her boyfriend (ironically named Jason) who works in the golf shack. They are a very sweet couple. Crystal comes from a Recreation family. Her mom majored in it, and now she is doing the same.

Alison–the well rounded, all smiles gal! Alison has been working at EPC for about a year now, doing all kinds of jobs. During the fall she worked in Outdoor Education and now for the summer she’s in Family Programs in Sweet. She has a lot of knowledge to share with everyone on staff, and is always willing to help out the team. Alison is one of the few staff to live off campus, and was kind enough to open her house up to us this past weekend for a summer luau party. She built a very long slip-and-slide going down the hill in her backyard. Alison is also from Minnesota and went to college with Caroline.

Letitia–the creative cat. Letitia is from Arkansas and is majoring in Graphic Design. She has an addictive, bubbly personality and gets very excited over simple pleasures. She also designs all of her own hair and jewelery accessories. She has the best fashion sense of anyone in Sweet! Letitia is one of our cashiers.

Bethany–the cheesy chick. This is Bethany’s second summer her at EPC working at Sweet as a cashier. She met her boyfriend up here last summer, and they have been reunited this summer as he is working in town at a candy store. Bethany is from Wisconsin, and of course, loves cheese. She also has a great sense of humor.

BOTTOM ROW (left to right)

Lauren–the giving friend. Lauren is one of our volunteers this summer, and works in special education back in Indiana. She is always kind to everyone and truly lives her Christian values. She is a friend to everyone, and we will all miss her. Lauren is the reason we organized to take this picture–she wanted a group photo before she went home.

Nathan–the funny fellow. Nathan is by far the funniest person in Sweet. He can brighten anyone’s day with a silly joke or funny face. He is also a very talented photographer, and very good at his job. Nathan was the Spring intern in the program department, and decided to extend his contract to work through the summer. He assisted me by co-hosting the talent show, and the audience loved him.

Matt–the goofball. Matt came out to work at EPC with his childhood friend Ian. When the two of them are together, WATCH OUT! They are a comedy force to be reckoned with. He’s very proud of his fraternity, and loves to playfully poke fun of all the ladies on staff. Matt also loves to lead programs like kickball, ultimate Frisbee, or capture the flag.

Paul–the boss. Paul Taylor. He started at EPC in March and is slowly getting used to his new position. He is very supportive and always says please and thank you. Paul also co-hosted the talent show with Nathan and me.

Well there you have it! Those are the Sweeties! The only person that’s not in the photo is Jamie, but you can read about her in the “I heart Boulder CO” article. I’ll leave you with one of my favorite picture… Forth of July cupcakes on parade!