WHO'S NEW: Kevin and Sandi Sheehan
Kevin and Sandi Sheehan moved to Albemarle Plantation in June 2017 from the Stafford, Virginia, area but they are not newcomers in the true sense of the word. Their search for a retirement property began in early 2004 via internet searches, perhaps like many of us. They had a familiar wish list: marina, golf, coastal location, active community. When they found Albemarle Plantation, they decided to visit on a discovery package and purchased a lot in Belmont during their discovery weekend. They added an adjoining lot a few years later and are now just starting construction on a quiet cul-de-sac. They are currently renting a house in Evergreen and expect to be able to move into their new home in the summer of 2018.
Kevin and Sandi are fortunate to have both of their mothers still active. Sandi’s 89-year old mother Polly has joined them here from El Paso, Texas, and is looking forward to meeting people and enjoying our lifestyle. Polly enjoys watching all sports and is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan. Kevin’s mother Joann is 86 and still enjoys her independence in Manchester, New Jersey.
Kevin enlisted in the Coast Guard shortly after graduating from high school and retired in 2006 as a lieutenant commander after 27 years of active duty, the last 17 spent at various stations in the Washington area. In all those years he was never assigned to sea duty. As he puts it, “Someone had to support the shore-side operations.” Since retiring, he has served for more than ten years as a federal civilian employee with the Coast Guard in Alexandria, Virginia, and now primarily teleworks from his home here in Albemarle Plantation. An Information Technology (IT) specialist, he is responsible for management and oversight of the Coast Guard’s IT enterprise services contract. In spite of his desire for early retirement, he is still required, with some degree of flexibility, to travel to and from northern Virginia from time to time.
Sandi’s career encompassed working as a legal secretary for several law offices and as a telemetry technician at various hospitals—until she had children. She then became a stay-at-home mom while continuing to work remotely, transcribing background investigations for the government. When her boys reached school age, she turned to real estate, which she found gave her the flexibility to be home for the kids and avoid sending them to daycare. She has been a licensed real estate broker in Virginia for the past 27 years, first as an agent with Century 21 and eventually starting her own business, Sheeselz Realty, five years ago. Sandi’s philosophy has always been “People first, not the corporations.” She does plan to obtain a North Carolina real estate license in the near future.
Kevin and Sandi have two sons living on the east coast. Rob, their oldest, is married and has three daughters, Neve, Fiona, and Gabby, ranging in age from 1 to 6. He and his family live in Pawley’s Island, SC, where he is employed by the Army Corp of Engineers, while his wife Tasha works for the Government Services Administration. Their second son Kellen and his wife Chelie have two daughters, Colee and Calla, and one son, Kyler (ages 7, 1, & 5 respectively). They live in Saint Johns, Florida, where Kellen is on active duty with the Coast Guard, serving as an Aviation Electronics Tech for the Coast Guard’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron in Jacksonville.
Despite Kevin’s lack of sea time while on active duty, the Sheehans are now very active with water sports. They own a 27’ Hunter sailboat they will be moving to the AP marina this spring and are excited about getting involved in OYC for the sailing as well as the social activities. Their history with sailing goes back years. They have spent many winter vacations sailing their 40′ catamaran in the British Virgin Islands and have sailed the Florida Keys, Belize, and the Grenadines. They also look forward to exploring the local Carolina waters in their kayaks and jet skis.
Other interests and hobbies include golf, bicycling, tennis (Sandi), and pickle ball (they even have their own paddles!). Sandi also is participating in exercise classes at our Community Center, while Kevin hopes to play more golf and volunteer with a local baseball team once he retires full time. Both Kevin and Sandi plan to go back to school at the College of the Albemarle to pursue culinary arts degrees, as time permits. But until then, the most important part of being retired is having time to travel in their newly acquired RV and to spend as much time as possible with their six beautiful grandchildren! CB