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Health & Fitness

Bob Tobey to Retire As Volunteer in West Isip Athletics After 19 Years!

Paying thanks to a couple who have dedicated years to volunteering in the community.

I felt very compelled to write a small piece on someone who yes is a friend of mine but who has done something that I do not think will be surpassed. Bob Tobey has been a volunteer in West Islip Athletics for the past 19 years. Bob has been doing the book and stats for the girl's Varsity Softball program as well as doing the chains during the Varsity football games. Bob also started the Girl's Softball Booster club in 2008 which has benefited the 2 middle school teams as well as the High School teams. I am not a mathematician but I cannot even imagine the number of countless hours Bob has put in to help all those girls over his time in our district. Bob's wife Karen has also helped him with the booster club the past few years and is also a very very special person. These two wonderful people do not even have any kids but decided to volunteer all these year's and they really have made a difference and have done so many positive things to help our community. Bob will be retiring and moving down south in a few months. I will miss him and his wife Karen very much as for me they give me the fire to keep volunteering whenever I can.

 I honestly believe volunteering is far more important than material things. It builds character, self esteem, and is a terrific learning experience. Not to mention a blast! I wish you could see the look in a child's eyes when you have helped them to win a game, or give them gifts on monies raised thru fundraising activities.It's remarkable! Volunteers are a vital part of all communities. I would like to encourage everyone to volunteer. It's not only an important learning experience, but a special way to lend a helping hand and more importantly ... your heart!!!

I am hoping by writing this as a goodbye for now to a friend, a parent will step up and run the Girl's Softball Booster Club, you will not be disappointed trust me and it does not have to be a single person it can be a few parents. The point I guess I am trying to get across is Bob's 19 year's is an amazing accomplishment and out of respect for him WE cannot let this fall by the waist side. I know I will do everything in my power to assist any and all that want to make a difference in this great community. Bob and Karen thank you for your friendship but more importantly thank you for the positive influence that you have had on our children not only as athletes but as people as well.

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FYI the Girl's Varsity Sofball team beat Lindenhurst on Friday and have qualified for the playoffs already with three more games to play. This Tuesday will be Senior day festivities start at 3: 00p.m. I would ask everyone to come down and see what agreat job Bob does on his last Senior day and watch a great group of girl's play a game that they strive to win and more importantly have fun playing. The coaches Michelle Jantzen and Beth Crimi have done a great job of not only teaching softball but by also making this young girl's have fun and learn more and more not just about a game but about life.

There are always so many negative comments  and what is wrong with our society today, but Bob and Karen Tobey are two very special people who will be deeply missed by the West Islip Community. If you know them or know of them or do not, please feel free to comment on this article as a way of saying thank you to such wonderful people who have made a positive impact for so so long. Bob and Karen enjoy your retirement and thank you for all you did for me and for so many others.

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