Photo by STEVE REYNOLDS

Daddy Tony Delucia with daughter Alexis.

Valentine’s Day night I had the pleasure of attending the second Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance held at the Marco Island YMCA Pool Pavilion.

The decorative lights, music, food and overall ambiance made this dance even more magical for the little ladies attending the event.

Attendance for the night consisted of 36 daddies, uncles and even grandfathers of these darling little girls.

There were even a few dads with more than one daughter attending!

I was the official photographer for the night and was moving around the dance floor taking photos when a dad stopped me and said, “you have the best job in the world!”

I was taken aback by this comment for a moment and mulled it over and realized this fellow was correct; I do have the best job in the world. Why? Because I get to work with the nicest folks around this area who generally care about the children that attend the “Y”s many functions and day care facilities.

The second reason I believe is that just being around the young people keeps me feeling young also. Their smiles and personalities are such that I can’t wait to get to work and interact with them.

I have been around long enough that some of them greet me with a “hello Mr. Steve!” when they see me or “bye Mr. Steve!” as they leave the building.

I can’t wait for Summer Camp when over 400 kids will attend at the Sand hill Street Campus or at Manatee Elementary School.

Are you going to be looking for summer employment? I have just the job for you. We are looking for energetic staff members to provide a loving and high-energy program for our children.

Applicants must be dedicated and will attend a mandatory pre-camp and weekly training sessions. If you are interested in becoming part of our camp family please stop by the Customer Service desk and pick up an application or contact Stephanie Pepper at Stephanie@marcoislandymca.org.

Positions include: Full and Part Time Counselors, drivers, substitutes and lifeguards.

Don’t forget, Bingo every Tuesday at the Y; doors open at noon.

Finally, here’s information you need to know:

Order your Mother’s Day Publix bakery heart-shaped cakes today.

Costs for the cakes are $6.50 and $1.50 from each goes to the “Y”. You have until March 19 to order.

Sign up continues for the Shark of the park Skate Competition scheduled for Feb. 24.

The First Annual YMCA Expo is coming up on March 1 from noon to 3 p.m. Meet and greet the YMCA program staff, aerobics instructors, board members and take a tour of the facility. It will also be a “member get a member” day. Free admission and refreshments.

Swim lessons with Dottie start March 17, sign up today.

Stan’s Roast tickets are selling at a brisk pace. Only $150 to attend the roast scheduled for March 20 at the Marriott Resort and Spa.

Limited seating is still available for the Sony Ericsson Open tennis Bus trip going to Key Biscayne on March 31. Only $70 for members and $75 for others. A fun filled day is planned.

Until next time, remember those immortal song lyrics, “It’s fun to play at the YMCA” (YMCA - The Village People).

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