Longtime employee enjoys meeting new people

In the summer of 1982, Sally Krause was hired as a server at the Longboat Key Club.

At that time, all the club activities were at Islandside, including the dining facilities and golf course. The club’s hotel was nearing completion, and Krause was one of many hired to staff it.

Today, the bayside of the resort includes the Harbourside golf course, the Tennis Gardens and the Harbourside Dining Room, where many of the community’s major social events are held, not to mention numerous weddings.

In her 30 years at the club, Krause has seen some spectacular events.

“We had a circus wedding reception at Island House. I think it was Tom Thumb,” Krause said, recalling that the decorations included a trapeze.

“We had another circus party, too. It was held under a huge tent located where L’Ambiance is now,” Krause remembers, adding, “Some of the guests arrived by helicopter. The servers wore black and white, and we all were made up with clown faces.”

Krause enjoys the many weddings she has worked.

“They are always beautiful and always different,” she said. The well-organized banquet serving staff keeps everything running smoothly.

Krause especially enjoys meeting people as part of her jpb.

“Being here for so many years, the children I once served are grown, and now I am serving their children,” she said.

For many years, Krause was easily recognized by her long single hair braid. Her look is a bit different now, after she decided to cut off 12 inches of her hair to donate to Locks of Love. Krause still wears her hair in her trademark braid, although it’s much shorter.

When not at work, Krause is busy with her two grandsons, C.J., 20, and Zachary, 14. She also enjoys biking and tending roses — her specialty.

Krause remains coy about how many more weddings, parties and events she’ll help make a success.

“I think a few more years,” she said. “But when you enjoy your work and your co-workers, who knows?”