LINDA BLOECHL

 

Here’s another surprising story of a solid Rotarian. Linda Bloechl was born in Asbury Park but raised in Oakhurst as a toddler. She was graduated from Ocean Township High School in 1985 and later from Washington College in Chestertown, MD where she received her degree in Political Science and International Law. She was employed by IBM in Dayton, N.J. in the Internal Order Department, then as a Police Dispatcher for Shrewsbury Police Department for another 10 years. In 2005, Linda took a stab at the restaurant business and was the owner of Dano’s and then The Grill in Luigi’s at the corner of Asbury Avenue & Wyckoff Road in Tinton Falls which lasted 7 years. The failing health of both parents required total attention so Linda gave up the business. Both died with 4.5 months of each other in 2009.

In 1990 she joined the Oakhurst Independent Hose Co and was a volunteer firefighter of that fire department. In addition to being a firefighter, Linda was also the Secretary, Assistant Treasurer and Historian. She is now an Exempt member having served a total of 29 years.

Linda continues her love for food service and for the last 23 years has worked for Waterview Pavilian in Belmar and Falco’s Catering who provides our meeting lunches. She is a lifelong active member of the Ballard Methodist Church in Asbury Park. Currently Linda is employed as a Medical Assistant for a Pulmonologist in Holmdel.

Linda met Brenda first through Dan Skinner as a member of the Oakhurst Fire Co., became friends and was invited to attend a meeting of our club over 6 years ago, and was of course her sponsor. She has been an active participant in the Polar Plunge and enjoys every aspect of Rotary.

Linda’s brother Lou lives with his family in Newtown, Pa. Her sister Leslie and husband Wayne live in Oakhurst with daughters living out of state. Linda reminds us that she is the baby of the family. Now living in Neptune, Linda enjoys her Beagle rescue dog “Mosley” who she adopted from The Blind Dog Rescue Alliance over 6 years ago. The “Outer Banks” is a favorite destination for fun with friends.

Linda’s thoughts on Rotary. “Rotary gives me the opportunity to spend time with people that have a unique focus of bettering the community and the world. In today’s crazy world, the weekly meetings are a reminder that there are still good people in this world who are willing to put service above self. It is a joy to be around like minded and big hearted people like Rotarians.”