Meet Fred and Linda
THE UNLIKELY PAIR
Linda and Fred hail from opposite ends of the country. Linda was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, while Fred was born and raised in Westport Connecticut. Fred went on to attend Nichols College, which was located just outside of Boston, while Linda decided early in her life that she wanted to become a flight attendant.
THEIR CAREERS
Linda was originally turned down by Delta Airlines when she first applied to be a flight attendant, so she initially worked in Reservations and as a Ramper with Western Airlines (which later merged with Delta), where she worked as a ramper. Determined to achieve her dream, she applied again and got the job! After more than 40 years of working as a Flight Attendant for Delta, she never looked back. “Every once in a while, I do look at that letter Delta sent and laugh,” adds Linda. “Since it states that I did not have what it takes to be a flight attendant.” That initial rejection only strengthened her resolve, and her steadfast determination and resilience led to a fruitful career travelling the world with Delta Airlines.
Fred spent over 45 years working for a children’s clothing manufacturer in sourcing and selling kids apparel. “We sold to stores all over, from Walmart to Macy’s, and I traveled all over Asia for sourcing,” recounts Fred. “After having 3 million plus miles on American Airlines, I decided it was time to retire. However, when I went to buy a Subaru as a retirement present, the dealership talked me into becoming a salesperson for them, which lasted another 5 years. Then, when we moved to Reynolds and built our house, I added 4 track vinyl windows for our porch, and I was so impressed with the system that I decided to rep part-time for Builders America… even though I am technically retired.” You may have seen Fred in the recurring Builders America ad in your monthly STROLL. “Yes we are the ones that let you live on your porch without worrying about the Pollen or inclement weather.”
TWO WORLDS COLLIDE
Prior to meeting Fred, Linda was living in Las Vegas with an apartment in New York City, as she was based out of NYC for Delta. Fred, on the other hand, was living in Connecticut. 10 years ago, as fate would have it, both Fred and Linda were on match.com. After they discovered each other’s profiles, they decided to meet in person. Very shortly after meeting, the couple began living together in Connecticut.
FAMILY INFORMATION
Linda has two sons, Kyle (48) and Brian (54), who both work in the movie production industry. She is a proud grandmother of three: Briana (7), Nicholas (3), and Lucas (12). All three grandkids live in the Los Angeles area.
Fred has two sons as well. His oldest, Stephen (44), is married and living in Clearwater Florida working for AAA in the insurance department. Jordan (40) is Vice President for Union Trust Bank in Connecticut, and he has a beautiful 9-year-old daughter named Baylea.
Fred and Linda’s blended family also wouldn’t be complete without their dog Turbo. “He is great! We don’t have to walk him or feed him, and he does very well on his own when we travel,” adds Turbo. “Did I mention that Turbo is a distinguished white statue who sits by our fireplace.”
WHY REYNOLDS?
Fred and Linda’s decision to move to Reynolds was rather spontaneous, but the couple is extremely grateful they stumbled across this wonderful community. “It was time for me to retire, and we both knew Linda was still going to be working as a Flight Attendant for Delta,” recounts Fred, while reminiscing about their search for the perfect vacation style home for their next chapter. “We flew down to Hilton Head and picked out a ‘new home lot’, which is rare for Hilton Head. While flying Delta on the way back to New York, I noticed a Sky Magazine in the seat pocket. There was a gorgeous center fold spread on a place called Reynolds. I told Linda that we should fly back down and scout it out. I was sure it wouldn’t be as nice as Hilton Head, but it would help to confirm our decision. Linda had also expressed to me that she did not want to move to the Atlanta area since she did her training in downtown Atlanta and was not fond of the area. After spending 3 days in Georgia’s Lake Country, we were both so impressed we bought a lot and never looked back. We have both really enjoyed living here for the last 5 years.”
FRED’S ACTIVE LIFESTYLE, DESPITE HIS LIMITATIONS
Due to Fred’s early life spent playing football and snow skiing, back when helmets were not yet utilized, his head and back took quite a lot of abuse. This led to Fred needing his C1-C7 vertebrae and his L4-S1 vertebrae fused, as well as two titanium rods being put in his neck. This procedure resulted in partial paralysis of his left leg, also leaving him with virtually no balance. That is why you have probably seen Fred walking around Reynolds with two canes.
Yes, Fred’s days playing tennis, pickleball, basketball, water skiing, golf, and drinking are in the past, but his physical limitations have not stopped him from staying active or taking full advantage of his life here in Reynolds. You can see Fred regularly at the fitness centers or in the pool walking several laps. He can also be found in Julie's water aerobics classes. “Not sure why the classes are almost all women,” jokes Fred. “I often tell Julie that if she changes the name of the class to ‘Water Aerobics for Golfers’, men will start showing up too!” Fred can also be seen riding his trike 10 – 15 miles 3-4 times a week around Parrotts Pointe Rd.
“PARTY CENTRAL”
Like Fred, Linda has fallen in love with Georgia’s Lake Country, but her favorite part about living in Reynolds is the incredible social atmosphere. As a testament to her love for socializing, she and Fred love to have guests over. “For our 4th of July party and New Year’s eve party, we invite over 120 people to our house,” Linda continues. “About 70 of our closest friends show up every year, and I love getting to meet new neighbors too. Entertaining is a passion of ours, whether it is for 4 people or 74. The parties are always a success, and guests especially love our Bocce Ball / Corn Hole court in the backyard!” Their house may only be 2400 square feet, but it never feels too crowded. The festivities are always spaced wonderfully between their house and the back yard. Fred and Linda’s are often referred to by their friends and neighbors as “Party Central”, a title they happily encourage.
GIVING BACK AND KICKING BACK
To stay active in their community, Fred and Linda are proud members of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, volunteering when they can. Fred also sits on the Wellness and Rec committee board, and he is always working to help make Reynolds even better than it already is. He primarily focuses on helping people with physical limitations get around the community easier. He is always listening to anyone that may have suggestions or possible solutions. Fred also belongs to the Builders Association, proudly representing Builders America to the residents of Reynolds, and Linda is an active member of The Reynolds Ladies Club.
In their free time, Fred and Linda enjoy taking their boat out on Lake Oconee. “We have been known to have the coolest pontoon boat on the lake!” Fred states. “We are the only ones that can cover and uncover our boat in less than a minute no matter where we are. People are always amazed when they see it work! It’s always fun to go out to eat by boat, and we really like all the many restaurants and the social events here at Reynolds.”
Because Linda is a flight attendant for Delta, she and Fred fly many times a year. Whether it’s to see their kids, visit friends out of state, or vacation to Cancun and The Islands in the wintertime, they are always flying. Fred loves to joke to their friends that they are “the poorest jet setters you will ever meet”.
A SHOUTOUT TO FOUR TRACK VINYL WINDOWS
Fred loves any opportunity to advocate for the game-changing vinyl windows he received through Builders America. “When building our house, we installed a state-of-the-art 4-track vinyl windows system on our screened porch,” adds Fred. “We were so unbelievably impressed with the system, and it revolutionized our patio space! No, we didn’t buy the company, but I do now work as part-time rep for them in this area. It’s so nice to have that extra living space 12 months out of the year without dealing with pollen, bugs, and rain. And when the weather allows, we use our screened porch as it was intended to be used. Do you really use your screened porch to it’s potential?”
For more information on revolutionizing your patio space, you can reach out to Fred directly at 203-515-0777 or visit the Builders America website – www.buildersamerica.com
