Memoirs of a Former Camper

We all have role models in our life. Some are real, and some are characters in movies or TV shows. Some can be as lofty as presidents, while others can be a just family member. Regardless of stature, these role models can affect directly the way we view the world and interact with it. While our role models can change with our tastes and interests, as we get older, we never forget the qualities that originally drew us to those people.

Recently, one of my own role models retired from the position that made him one of the most universally respected and loved people in the Village of Saltaire. I am of course referring to Chuck Jones. For 35 years, Chuck has been the pillar of the community. Whether leading lifeguards to keep us safe in the ocean and bay, devoting his time and energy to the children of Saltaire, or even his tireless service to the Fire Department, Chuck Jones has been the best that Saltaire has to offer.

I could laude Chuck’s inspiring service to the Village of Saltaire, but words cannot do justice to the man and what he has pushed every member of this community, young and old, to be. I would like to share just a few of my memories as a testament to Chuck and what he has given to most every member of this community.

I always fondly remember just stopping in to say hello to Chuck. He could often be found sitting on his patio reading or just watching the world go by. We would just spend some time just chatting about anything from Corvettes to events going on around the Village.  Chuck has always been one of those rare people who has nothing bad to say about anyone. More than anything, he made you want to be a better person. His unmatched character has been so astounding that my friends and I have a running joke that Chuck Jones was even greater than Chuck Norris, resulting in a string of ridiculous “Chuck Jones” jokes.

However, what is said in humor is meant in earnest. We all grew up and spent time with Chuck, who was the guiding force behind most of our summer activities. From the screaming contest to the Jog-a-thon, Chuck has been one of the most essential and important people to the Village.

Things go on whether you like it or not. People grow up, and they move on with their lives. While I truly wish Chuck and Sandi the best in whatever direction life takes them next, I would humbly ask you to remember one thing from my scattered rantings. Always be thankful for the important people you meet on the winding road of life. In an age where the term hero is all but extinct, I would argue that people like Chuck Jones are our modern day heroes, offering a strong vision of leadership when young people, especially this writer, needed it most. And for that, all I can say is this:

Thank you, Chuck. 

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Thank you for taking a look at my blog! I know that there are so many other things on the Internet you could have looked at from sneezing pandas to dramatic gofers,

That being said, I am glad you are here. I hope this humble little blog can be a weekly destination into my crazed and scattered mind. From personal topics to sports to entertainment, I will try to make this blog something for everyone. At its best, I hope it can be an open dialogue between you, my hopefully interested readers, and me.

Please be honest about what you think about each new post. I am always looking for ways to improve and to write about things that you will actually care to read about. This should be the start of a fun journey, and I truly hope you will enjoy reading my work as I do writing it.