This active foursome has been part of our community for several decades. Unfortunately, we won’t “hear” the heartbeat in this article, but at the center of this family is a heart for others that is notable. Lindsey, 15 and Zac, 12 have always called Parkland home and love being busy with their schools, friends and family. Proud parents Wendy and Andy are thrilled at the choice they made to settle here 20 years ago. Andy says, “We are a city of hard working, community focused people who are dedicated to their families…and we also happen to live in one of the most beautiful locations in the country.”
A sophomore at Marjorie Stoneham Douglas high school, Lindsey favors English when she isn’t devoting the majority of her free time to being part of the nationally ranked Stoneman Douglas Color Guard and World Guard teams. She has also appeared in numerous school productions, and danced competitively. Zac aka Caz is in 7th grade at Pine Crest, where he enjoys social studies the most. Since the age of 7, he has played travel baseball for the Parkland Pokers. He has also represented the city of Parkland’s little league all-star team for the past two summers. In addition, he plays travel basketball for the BBD Eagles out of Coral Springs. We can’t mention the kids without mentioning Penelope, the family’s “other” child and Wendy’s companion. “She is a combination Maltese and Shitzu,” Wendy smiles. “She goes everywhere with me!”
Both professionals, Andy runs a company that assists other companies in managing their temporary workforces. Wendy is an Allstate Insurance agent (see page 5!) which she has been passionate about in Coral Springs for more than 30 years. Helping others through many of life’s unpredictable situations has brought her an even deeper sense of caring and community. She says, “I take pride in the way our team has always stepped up for our more than 3,000 clients in their time of need.”
When they aren’t focused on children and careers, Wendy says, I would consider both my husband and I to be workout fanatics. It is a big part of our lives. Andy uses the workout equipment in our garage, and I love my hot yoga which I take at a hot yoga studio located in Seattle. In addition, we both enjoy our tennis games and just had tennis court resurfacing done at home.
Family time off the fields and courts is also spent in “active” mode. “Every family vacation always includes a robust hike, along with other outdoor activities such as biking,” Wendy tells us. But she and Andy also realize that quality family time includes lessons about values and face-to-face time, too. “We are strong supporters of the SOS Children’s Village and regularly take our kids there to spend time with children that are less fortunate.” Mom continues, “We also think it is important to have real family dinners where no electronics or other distractions are present.” The Schultzes also enjoy concerts and sporting events together.
The conversation wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t focus a bit on the place where this family has grown. Wendy shares, “Having been residents of Parkland for more than 20 years, we love the family atmosphere that is not often found in many parts of Florida. Today we interact mostly through our kids activities and, whether it be our daughter’s dance/color guard or our son’s sports, we meet so many parents who are passionate about doing whatever it takes to raise their children the right way; in a clean, safe and fun environment. People here put their family and children first, and we like being part of that.” Lightheartedly, Wendy concludes with, “And hearing how the rest of the country is freezing every day of winter doesn’t hurt a bit either!”
The Schulz family are Members of Parkland’s Kol Tikvah Synagogue. Lindsey had her Bat Mitzvah there in 2012 and Zac is studying for his this February.