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Sun
Herald - February 9, 2007 |
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Cross Creek's Valentine of choice |
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The residents of Cross Creek Resort and RV Park would most
assuredly agree that the woman who possesses unusual strength,
knowledge, love and all around awareness is its park manager,
Elayne McCoy. That is why she is Cross Creek's Valentine
for 2007.
Elayne is married to Chuck McCoy. They reside at the park
year round, in an attractive, well turned-out home. Elayne and
Chuck are originally from Mount Zion, Ill. They have four
children and nine grandchildren. Elayne and Chuck journeyed to
Arcadia and settled at Cross Creek in 2000. Starting that
year, Elayne served as manager of Cross Creek, under the
guidance of the prior owners. She worked diligently and
impressively while extending loyalty to them.
When the park was sold to Bill Harvey, Bill was so impressed
with Elayne's abilities as manager that he decided to maintain
this most unusual and capable woman at the park.
Why do we call her our Valentine?
Because of her abilities to manage more 500 units filled with
senior citizens. Elayne has to satisfy the opinions of
more than 1,000 people who all have their complaints and
idiosyncrasies. In the meantime, she tries to be fair,
while always keeping the park's welfare in mind. This in
itself is part of her difficult assignment. She must
delegate every day to the office staff and maintenance
department all the work that should be done. Most of the
time she is found with shovel in hand and mud up to her knees
when a crises arises for a quick fix. Elayne is on call 24
hours a day, seven days a week. As you can readily see, this is
not an 8-to-5 job. Her familiar golf cart is always
surveying the grounds. When a medical emergency arise,s
she is the first one to appear on the scene, helping and
consoling the families in their time of need.
Elayne considers everyone in the park as part of her family.
She is a very compassionate and private person who loves animals
for what they are. She can be seen giving carrots to
rabbits, and petting and caressing cats and dogs. She is a
dog lover herself, which seems most unusual for a park manager.
Elayne is, as the cliche goes, the "real McCoy!" This mature,
modest and attractive human dynamo is also a computer whiz.
She illustrates her ability to create many works of art, which
she uses in the decor of certain events and happenings in the
park.
Elayne has the final okay of all the events in the park, which
are many during the high season in the park. She has
participated in the coordination of many of these, such as
dances and shows. But she prefers to remain in the
background and maintain a low-key appearance. Her presence at
all events is apparent.
The most-loved event by Elayne is the "volunteer evening."
This evening is given by the park and Elayne for all the
volunteer residents who work at various functions and events.
From teaching sports, exercises, dance, crafts, French and
English, decorations and more, the volunteers carry out many
jobs. Elayne prepares for this beloved event all year.
The last two years were memorable and spectacular; she out did
herself in imagination and positively thrilled the participants
of the event. Many hours by her and the crew of volunteers
went into these unbelievable social events.
So much more can be said about Cross Creek's Valentine, Elayne
McCoy, but it would take another article. We at Cross
Creek are lucky to have such a qualified person in our midst.
May she continue her brilliant career for many year amid
recognition by park residents for the unselfish work she has
exhibited throughout the years.
If one were to ask the residents of the park what they would say
to her, they would reply: "Elayne, we at Cross Creek love you.
We wish you the best of everything. May the grace of God
be with you on your journey through life." Elayne, may God hold
you in the palm of His hand.
Written by Florence Barboro -- Contributor for Cross
Creek Resort and RV Park. |
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