Housekeeping team keeps Summers in their thoughts

by Brian K. Anderson | September 12, 2025

It’s tough to summarize what our resort housekeeping team means to our operations, but an old children’s book titled, The Little Engine That Could, best embodies what Jess Simon’s team is all about.

“This is a team of people that always come together when we are busy,” said Simon of her team of 28 dedicated employees. “I appreciate everything they all do for this department. It is not said enough sometimes but, a huge THANK YOU to everyone that has given their best this year.”

There are always challenges when a team is tasked with keeping our expansive 172-room resort clean 365 days a year, but Simon’s team was thrown a curveball earlier this summer when long-time employee Coleen Summers was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

Given the fact that National Housekeepers Week is fast approaching, Simon thought it would be fitting to get her team together for a group photo this past Sunday morning that will be sent to Summers as she continues her fight against cancer. In Simon’s eyes, even though Summers isn’t able isn’t able to work, she is still an integral part of the team.

“And that will never change,” said Simon.

To show their love and support for Summers, Simon had her team make a heart shape love sign with their hands while they posed for the picture, which she will deliver to Coleen in the coming days.

Although Summers won’t be working when National Resort Housekeeping Week rolls around, September 14th through the 20th, she will be on the mind of Simon and many of her co-workers as they continue to send well wishes her way with the hopes that someday, “Grandma,” as some of the younger team members call her, will be back in her familiar role here at Fortune Bay.

“Coleen can battle anything,” said Simon, who doesn’t like to wear her emotions on her sleeves, but does get emotional talking about her employee and friend. “Thoughts and prayers from everyone here. Love you— stay strong lady.”

Simon said that Summers has always been someone who appreciated the fact when other employees stepped in to help when they were short-handed. One of those employees is KJ Bay, who has answered the call many times to give the housekeeping team some assistance.

“She would end up thanking me when it was us who should have been thanking her and the rest of the housekeeping team,” said Bay of Summers’ heartfelt thank you. “I love that woman and it breaks me up thinking of the battle she is going through.”

Simon echoed those sentiments as did the rest of the close-knit team, who struggle to comprehend why such a giving and remarkable woman like Coleen was dealt this hand.

“We think of her often and talk about how much she has meant to our team,” said Simon. “We really are a family, and we look out for on another. It’s a privilege to work with each and every one of them—they are all unique in their own way. It gives me great pleasure to say that they are my team, and Coleen is the heart of my team.”