The Goertemiller Family, 1976

Thank you for letting me share with my Ocean’s Reach friends and family a picture of the Goertemillers taken over the Christmas holiday in 1976 at Ocean’s Reach—Dru, Lyn, Kurt, Mother and Dad. I remember this trip to Sanibel and those tee shirts Mother made as if it were yesterday.

This is a very special photo to me as it is one of our family’s first of many visits to OR (when OR was just two years old) as guests –and later owners– and a loving tribute to my mother who passed away recently and to my dad who today celebrates 58 years of marriage to my mother! Sanibel was my parent’s favorite family destination spot throughout the years and continues to be the ultimate relaxation spot for my dad.

My siblings and I miss my mother more and more each day as memories resurface, needs go unspoken and the reality of her absence sets in. She was the epicenter of our extended families, a very pretty woman (as you can see), creative and fun loving. We never made an important decision without her!

Thanks, Mother and Dad, for introducing all of us kids to Ocean’s Reach and Sanibel when we were snowbound in the Buckeye state and for the values passed along of hard work, good financial management and the dreams and rewards of condo ownership on a sunny, warm beach that we are fortunate to experience today.

My dad, brother and sister also want to thank the owners, staff and winter guests at Ocean’s Reach who reached out overwhelmingly to us during my mother’s illness and death with their kindness and caring.

Happy Anniversary, Daddy!

Pictured below is Heather Cisowski, daughter of Lisa and Ed. She is a top ten ranked junior player in the mid west region of the country. Heather is 13 years old and played twice with Andy on her recent stay at Ocean’s Reach.

Needless to say Andy was not victorious and moved slowly on the 3rd day.

The tennis court at Ocean’s Reach was rebuilt recently and has been proclaimed by many as being the finest hard surface court on Sanibel Island. We are lucky to have this wonderful court for such talented players as Heather to play on.

Hi!

Congratulations to the Big Ten 200 Yard Butterfly Champion!!

The Braun family girls have been coming here every year, even before they were born.

Katie, on the left just graduated from Northwestern University were she was on the swim team. Sarah, in the center, graduates from High School this year and will attend the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire. Megan, on the right, attends Minnesota University and this year is the Big Ten champion in the 200 yard butterfly.

Returning to Ocean’s Reach every year is the highlight of their winter season.

Andy

If one decides to leave the Island and head to downtown Fort Myers there are many things to do. Saturday at Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers the Celtic Festival was held. Music, food and lots of interesting company.

Meet Jim Lewis, Ocean’s Reach owner for 32 years

Can condo ownership bring peace and prosperity? It has for Ocean’s Reach owner Jim Lewis. Each year, he and his wife, Mary Lou, spend six months in the condo they’ve owned for 32 years.

Q. What’s your best helpful hint for newly arriving Ocean’s Reach guests?

A. Change from travel clothes into casual island dress. Get ready ASAP to enjoy the many exciting recreational and educational activities that Sanibel offers. Some of these include biking, swimming, shelling, kayaking, tennis and golf, just to name a few.

Q. What would you spend your first $10 vacation mad money on (Sanibel only)?

A. Rent a bike and get ready to explore Sanibel’s many miles of wonderful bike paths.

Q. What are your top 3 activities on Sanibel?

A. There are so many to choose from, but I would pick biking, relaxing in the sun, and enjoyable dining out in the evening.

Q. What’s best about the “new” Ocean’s Reach?

A. The beautiful landscaping and the wonderful newly refurbished gulf-front condominium units. Each condo has a direct view of the Gulf of Mexico.

Q. What would we be most surprised to know about you?

A. I was a farm boy who attended eight years in a one-room country schoolhouse with grades one through eight. In the eighth grade, I was the school janitor. I was paid the handsome sum of 50 cents per week, and was very glad to get it.

Q. With your resources, why did you select Ocean’s Reach/Sanibel as your annual vacation destination?

A. For nearly 50 years, Mary Lou and I watched real estate development on Sanibel. Ocean’s Reach is unique because of the proximity to the Gulf, its remote and serene location, and its wonderful, professional office management staff.

Q. What is the inspiration behind your new book?

A. Most of the manuscript was written two or more years ago. My training in economics permitted me to see the upcoming perfect economic storm on a global basis. This was evidenced by the spending and debt being incurred on a governmental and individual basis. The book is essentially a warning about impending global economic problems and what each of us as individuals can do to prepare a bulwark against such economic storms. The suggestions outlined in my book are ageless.

The book, Seeking Inner Peace and Financial Freedom: Stepping Stones in a Chaotic World, is available in bookstores or online from Barnes & Noble, Borders and Amazon.com, and from the publisher by calling (800) 288-4677.

Q. What’s the best advice you can give to our guests to help them weather tough economic times?

A. My suggestions are simple: Spend less than the amount earned, and purchase only what is needed, not what is wanted.

Q. Has there been a time when you didn’t follow your own advice?

A. No, frugality was deep-seated at an early age. I was reared that way.

We’ve always liked to travel; Mary Lou and I did that even when we didn’t have much money. In our 60 years of marriage, we have spent money to travel extensively in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Q. How has being an owner at Ocean’s Reach affected you financially and personally?

A. Our investment in Ocean’s Reach proved to be the cornerstone of our savings program. The rental return and price appreciation over the years has been unparalleled. Ocean’s Reach is a rare piece of Sanibel real estate. It’s like finding a rare junonia shell on the beach, a “Gem by the Sea.”

We’ve watched Sanibel real estate for 50 years, and it has weathered many economic cycles over that time. Value has always been pushed forward by buyer demand and limited supply. It is my belief that the present represents a positive opportunity for acquiring a rare piece of island real estate. The long-term rewards are certain to be outstanding.

Note: Please consult your own financial advisor before making any investment decisions.