Tom Schlechter, a steadfast pillar of the Sun City community, has diligently served as the pool monitor at Meadow View Lodge pool for ten years, withstanding the challenges of the COVID years.
“I like people. I like talking to them. They all have interesting stories,” he shared, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the community.
Mary Mills, another pool monitor, said, “I have known Tom for the ten years I have been going to the Meadow View Pool. His calm demeanor and upbeat personality are the perfect blend for the position of pool monitor. I have never gone to the pool when Tom was working and he did not greet me by name. He knows everyone by name. If you are new to the pool, Tom will make it a point to learn your name before the season’s end.”
Nancy Cihlar frequents the pool and also praised Schlechter, saying, “He’s a great pool monitor. He knows everyone’s name.”
Schlechter, and all the other pool monitors, are trained and receive certification in CPR/AED. They help residents who need assistance.
Mills said, “This is my first year working as a monitor. As a co-worker, Tom has been outstanding. I knew many of the duties before I was hired; however, as a new monitor, there were some duties I was unaware of. Tom has been eager to teach and monitor me.”
Cheryl Ross, a resident of Sun City, fondly describes Schlechter as a beloved figure. His friendly nature and genuine interest in others’ lives create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the pool. “Everyone loves Tom,” she says, echoing the sentiments of pool patrons.
Schlechter was not a swimmer in his youth, but he discovered a passion in running marathons. His interest was sparked by an article in Runner’s Magazine, which promised to prepare him for a marathon in three months. Starting with a modest 25-minute run, he eventually conquered his first marathon, a journey that many can relate to.
Schlecter ran in his first Chicago Marathon in 1978.
“It was a hot day. The lakefront temperature was 85 degrees. I hit the wall at 20 miles. I tried it again in 1981,” he said.
Schlechter completed his third and his last Chicago Marathon, finishing 688 out of 4024 on Sunday, September 26, 1982. He was 43 years old. The marathon started at the Picasso at Daley Plaza and continued along the lakefront through neighborhoods and parks.
However, Schlechter’s most cherished pride and joy is his family and the love of his life, Erika.
“I met Erika while stationed in Germany,” he said. “I signed up for the draft when I turned 18. Erika lived in the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It was a resort town.”
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a German ski resort in Bavaria, formed when two towns united in 1935. It’s a prominent destination for skiing, ice skating, and hiking. The city lies near the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak.
“We have three kids, two sons and one daughter, and two grandchildren. We love living here in Sun City and have many friends, including my best friend from childhood.”
Mills also agrees, “Tom is a beloved fixture to Meadowview Pool. A prime example. I was working on opening, and he was going to close. One of the members saw Schlechter come through the gate and shouted, ‘We are all safe now. Tom’s here.’
