A Special Section Focusing on Senior Lifestyles
MATURELifestyles Travel
November 2014
A unique tour program for the northwest suburbs
BY SUE WEBBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER Sharie Linke is a one-woman whirlwind when it comes to planning trips. She was with the Spring Lake Park Recreation Department for 14 years as a full-time recreation program supervisor, the last 12 as tour director. She retired in March 2014, but will continue as travel director through the end of 2015. “We act as our own travel agency; it’s very unique,” said Linke, who previously did a similar job in Mounds View. “We are a tour company. Our recreation company does its own planning and escorting.” The seven trips she plans each year draw between 30 and 50 travelers from many area suburbs, including Fridley and New Brighton. She doesn’t plan cruises or gambling trips, and another staffer handles the day trips. “My philosophy always has been the social and educational aspect, and for people to meet each other,” Linke said. “My groups bond. It’s so much fun to watch that. I like to sit back and watch people interact.” She stresses that anyone is welcome, and that people shouldn’t hesitate to sign up for a trip because they don’t have a partner. “The travelers come from all over the Midwest, though most are from the northern suburbs,” Linke said. “You always find people to hang out with. The tours are friendly and welcoming. TOURS - TO PAGE 3 Top: Bob and Dawn Clark of Coon Rapids are shown at the Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. (Submitted photo) Left: Jean and Dallas Joseph of Fridley were part of the group that toured Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park in Colorado. (Submitted photo) Right: Howard and Shirley Mosman of New Brighton were photographed on the Visitor Center Grounds at South Padre Island in Texas. (Submitted photo)