JoLynn Forney: Lifetime of Helping Others
Tara A. Spears
Some people, like Jolynn Forney, radiate such positive vibes that you immediately know that you want to hang out with them. A long-time winter resident of the La Penita RV Park, Jolynn and her husband, Brian, are involved in many activities. This active couple enjoys the good life after retiring from a military career. But as with so many of 21st century retires, Jolynn continues to help others.
“I first started coming to La Penita the winter of 1986-87 with my parents,” said Jolynn. “Later, after joining the U.S. Army and then getting married, Brian and I traveled while in the service.” After the couple left the service, they were able to take up RVing and began wintering in the La Penita RV Park to make their own memories. With Jolynn’s zest for life, she soon became involved in several activities at the park besides her long time golf hobby.
I met her through attending the Hamburger Night fundraiser for the RV Park Educational Fund. Jolynn explains, “I took over organizing Burger Night in November, 2016. My plan is to run it 2 more years (5 years total) before handing it off to someone else. I managed the bar for one year (2029-2020 season) so John and Diane Ford could take a year off.” When asked if she had any experience in food service, Jolynn laughed and replied, “Yeah, a little! Besides my 24 years in the US Army, three years as a government contractor, six years as a B&B owner; I also have worked as a bartender, waitress, and cook at a few restaurants.” Truly, Jolynn is a renaissance woman of many talents. Through her hard work the Hamburger Nights raised more than $36k pesos for the men’s scholarships! Thank you from the 14 talented young men attending university because of this donation.
For those that are not RVers, the La Penita RV Park is just north of the main avenida on the ocean side of the highway. The public is welcome for the meal located next to the swimming pool. Jolynn is already planning next winter’s Burger Nights: “Every Sunday from mid-November to mid-March, except Superbowl Sunday, we make hand packed burgers (Ceci’s family recipe), Arrachera burgers, grilled chicken breast slices, veggie burgers, Costco salchichas, and hand-made medium Italian and with a choice of French fries or a donated salad that varies weekly. We have a griddle to warm the buns and a full condiment bar to build your own burger, chicken or salchichas. Hopefully, we will be able to raise more scholarship money in 2020-21.”
Besides her volunteering to raise scholarship funding, Jolynn and Brian have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity since 2016. When she is not working Jolynn finds it rewarding to help others. Not one to sit in a rocking chair, Jolynn also enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, puzzling, riding quads and hanging out on the beach.
One last hobby Jolynn and Brian have is being dedicated Cardinal baseball fans. “We fell in love with the Cardinals when we got stationed at Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri, in 2000.”They attend live games every year. I’d love to see their cardinal memorial room at their home base- Go big red!
It’s amazing how one genuine smile can touch so many lives. Jolynn is intelligent and unassuming, jumping right in to lend a hand without seeking recognition. The world is a better place because of you- thanks for all you do!
