Page 6 - Leisure Living Magazine: June 2021

Meet Our Readers
H. John Hildebrandt, Sandusky, Ohio
By Brenda Haas, Feature Writer
H. John Hildebrandt, retired General Manager of Cedar Point, developed marketing and advertising programs for the launch of world-famous roller coasters, such as Millennium Force, Raptor, and Magnum. Now a writer, the Sandusky resident incorporates his past experiences into his present creative endeavors, including his recently published regional novel, “Sharks in Lake Erie” (2021), a thriller featuring
bull sharks, Nazi gold, Lake Erie, roller coasters, billionaires, secret caves, and hot summer nights.
“The lake is the constant ... the background to just about all of my life,” said John. Calling himself “half a native,” he remembers childhood summers at his family’s cottage on the Cedar Point Chaussee and boating, skiing, and swimming with his siblings. With his wife Marie, who he first met at the park, John co-authored “Lake Erie’s Shores and Islands” (2015), a history of area tourism told through vintage photographs.
Documenting his own past, he published “Always Cedar Point, a Memoir of the Midway” (2018).
“I had the greatest commute in the world — driving over the causeway every morning with Sandusky Bay on either side and the skyline of Cedar Point in front of me,” concluded John, of his time with Cedar Fair
Entertainment Company. “For 40 years I was paid to help people have fun. It was a very good gig.” Previously involved in local healthcare governance, John is active with Erie County Historical Society, Sandusky Library and Follett House Museum Foundation, and Sandusky Area Maritime Association. He was a recipient of the Paul Sherlock Award and enjoys flyfishing, golf, and America Civil War history. Married 46 years, the Hildebrandts have two adult sons and four grandchildren. For publication details, visit www.
jmhildebrandt.com or email: hjohnhildebrandt@gmail.com.
LeisureLiving
Gracious Living for the 50+ Generation
On Lake Erie
Hello ~
...and, things are looking up for summer! We can
all celebrate the fact that the State of Ohio is lifting COVID-19 restrictions this month. Thanks to the many health care professionals, first responders and scientists who have made this possible. They have worked tirelessly caring for patients, responding to emergencies, developing the vaccines and administering those vaccines to millions of people.
We can’t do enough to thank all of them. Now, we are seeing shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and other attractions opening up again.
Businesses are excited to welcome customers back. However, many of them are finding themselves
to be short staffed right now. As you’ve probably seen on the news, due to the pandemic, many small businesses have had a difficult time in hiring staff.
In addition, a number of the businesses along the lake and on the islands hire students from overseas to work during the summer. Because of travel restrictions, they have not been able to bring those students to the United States this year.
While we are all anxious to get out and have a good time, we are all going to need to be understanding.
After all, we’ve waited a year. A few more minutes won’t matter!
LeisurelyYours -
Barb Clemons, Editor
LAKE FRONT PUBLICATIONS lakefrnt@thirdplanet.net 419.734.1280
Established 2005
6 |LeisureLiving June 2021
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