The greatest time of year is here!
Whether it’s devouring some yummy barbecue or sitting with your toes in the sand, we find so many different ways to enjoy the warmer temperatures and longer days. With summer just kicking off, we asked associates to share how they have fun in the great outdoors. From volunteering, vacationing, hiking or taking plenty of beach days, see how our associates are making their summer one to remember, while maintaining a safe distance from others.
NOTE: Photos were taken before the coronavirus pandemic.
DO go chasing waterfalls
Legal Hold Discovery Analyst Leah Harvard is all about chasing dogs, leaves and, yes, waterfalls. She enjoys hitting the trails, whether they are short or long, and cooling off by kayaking in lakes and rivers. Her longest hike was 12 miles in the mountains! Last July, she traveled to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia, to hike part of the Appalachian Trail. This year, Leah looks forward to taking her new puppy, Callie, to Nashville, Tennessee.
Puppies are a girl’s best friend
Everyone loves puppies, and Deli Manager Teari Haefs, #1641, Ringgold, Georgia, is no exception. For more than seven years now, Teari has been volunteering at animal shelters. She enjoys taking dogs for walks in the sun, throwing an occasional stick and giving them lots of love. Teari follows Mr. George’s example of being a responsible citizen in our communities.
Jumping for joy
Most people prefer to wait until the plane lands to get off, but Systems Analyst Mark Logan goes for a bit higher and faster option. Mark visits the Lake Wales Municipal Airport in Lake Wales, Florida, year-round to go skydiving. He jumps out of the plane at 14,000 feet, which is almost half the height of Mount Everest. Wow! Mark is looking forward to experiencing the rush of adrenaline during these summer months.
Take a hike!
Most people try to avoid getting lost in the woods, but Assistant Store Manager Paul Schetzle, #1174, Ocoee, Florida, and Assistant Bakery Manager Kurt Farnkoff, #605, Orlando, Florida, welcome it! Paul and Kurt enjoy going hiking in the mountains, sometimes for up to a week at a time. Here, they are pictured with their friend, Josh Zimmerman, on one of their weeks in the wilderness. After they head back to civilization, they all feel reenergized and ready to hit the ground running.
A breath of fresh air
Breathe in and stretch it out! Sourcing and Contracts Manager Mary Quinn enjoys spending time in the sun working on her flexibility. Her favorite spot to do yoga is by the water, where she stops to get some snaps of her different poses. Since she lives in Florida, she has no problem finding a great location. You can count on Mary to soak up her share of the sun this summer.
Surf and sun
Who would want to turn down a good time and a workout? Produce Clerk Jeff Brack, #855, Port St. Lucie, Florida, and his family are sure to enjoy themselves out in the wind and waves while kayaking. Because Florida is one of the warmer states, Jeff prefers to head out on the water in the summer, when temperatures soar. Have fun this summer.
Runnin’ in the sun
Run, Kathy, run! Last year, Senior Strategy Team Leader Kathy Richie started competing in triathlons, so she spends plenty of time outside biking, swimming and, of course, running. As you can imagine, the swimming portion of her training is much more pleasant during the summer. Keep it up Kathy, and good luck to you in future competitions!
Just keep swimming
Running and camping and biking, oh my! Assistant Produce Manager Humberto Casallas, #1144, Lake Worth, Florida, is sure to stay busy this summer because he plans to visit all 175 state parks in Florida. There is an abundance of activities and fun to be had at the state parks, and Humberto plans to do them all! By the end of the year, he hopes his Florida State Park passport is full of stamps from his adventures. Good luck to you on your many journeys, and if you happen to see Plato anywhere around, be sure to give him our best!
Catching the rainbow
Whether it is laughing in the sun or staying quiet to catch some fish, Transportation Scheduling Coordinator Courtney Galbraith and Grocery Team Leader Taylor Placides, #356, Lakeland, Florida, have plenty of fun in the sun! One of their favorite fish to catch is dolphinfish. Their bright colors also match Courtney’s shorts. Let’s hope the two catch plenty this summer — and remember their sunscreen!
Don’t worry, be happy
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, and by somewhere, we mean the Florida Keys! Every year, Assistant Store Manager Janeen Daferanos, #1479, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, counts down the days until she can be on island time. Janeen and her family spend countless hours going to the beach, picking up trash to keep the area clean and catching lobsters, also known as sea bugs. Thank you for being a responsible citizen in our community, and don’t let the sea bugs bite!
