The real Bonnie Potter
To the editor:
On April 19, 2010 a celebration took place noting; 35 years of service to the residents and staff of the city of Cape Coral. Bonnie Potter, our City Clerk, was the honoree. She was showered with a proclamation, flowers, gifts and words which highlighted her dedication, professionalism, intellect, knowledge of her position. Many came to wish her well during retirement. Those in attendance knew Bonnie Potter the City Clerk and some shared their thoughts, but who is the “Real Bonnie Potter.”
My husband Aldo and I have known Bonnie since the early 1990s when we would visit the “Old City Hall” with utility issues, bills, documents and information on how to file, etc. She was pleasant and, as Aldo would always note, a very pretty lady with a sweet smile and a great candy dish on her desk.
Our lives changed in 2002 and many came to help us, but it was the “Real Bonnie” who called one night just to talk and find out how we were doing. Several days later she called again and wanted to find out how we were doing. The calls continue and, unless she is traveling, we believe they will not end.
The “Real Bonnie” teaches at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church. She teaches Christian doctrine to young elementary students. They love her even though she admits sometimes she has to be stern. She says this with a great big smile on her face.
If there is a need for anyone at anytime and Bonnie finds out about it, she commits to helping anonymously and swears you to secrecy so no one will find out who she really is.
It is time to reveal the “Real Bonnie,” a caring, wonderful, human being; who cares enough without any strings attached. Bill Potter is a lucky man. He will share their retirement together, with each other, and, most times, will not have to share her with the entire city. Aldo will miss his visits to Bonnie’s office not only for her smile, but for the Hershey candies in her candy dish.
Dolores Bertolini
Cape Coral