THE SUNSHINE SINGLES RECENTLY MET AT THE BABCOCK RANCH PRESERVE AND ENJOYED LUNCH AT THE ON-SITE RESTAURANT.
Another month, another adventure, this time to the Babcock Ranch Preserve — a 73,000-acre conservation area about 30 miles from our back door. Although it was a working ranch for several decades owned by Edward V. Babcock, it was purchased by the State of Florida in 2006 and is a “self-funding” preserve through its continued agricultural and timber operations. It consists of a mosaic of pine flatwoods, dry prairies, and the Telegraph Cypress Swamp and serves as a critical habitat for wide-ranging species such as the Florida panther (which is not black), black bears, deer, wild pigs, alligators, wading birds, etc. Eight members of the SunShine Singles boarded their Swamp Buggy and toured this amazing preserve. Although we did not see a panther or black bear, we did see the other critters mentioned in addition to “Cracker cattle,” — an American breed of cattle, which originated in Spanish Florida, and we were given the opportunity to pet a small gator. We had lunch in The Gator Shack restaurant.
THE BABCOCK RANCH PRESERVE FEATURES A NUMBER OF WILDLIFE CREATURES, INCLUDING WILD PIGS AND “CRACKER” CATTLE.
One of my missions is to share the stories of our SunShine Singles group. Two members who I have seen at almost every event I have attended are Sue Dodge and Lorraine Harrington. The very first invitation to attend a singles function came while I was walking my dog came from my fellow dog-walking neighbor, Sue Dodge. The event was a Christmas party being held at her house and I found there a cheerful atmosphere, very friendly people, good food, and fun games. I have been an active participant ever since. In conversing with Sue, I learned she was a California girl who worked in Silicon Valley, and came here, not to retire, but to change jobs and locations. She had a partner who had lived in Southern Florida, loved it, and wanted to move here. They heard that this was a fast-growing area, and decided it was the place for them. Originally, they bought a home in the countryside and Sue drove by Sabal Springs on her way to work and to the grocery store. Her partner passed, and not wanting to maintain a home on five acres, after talking with folks she knew she decided to move here. Although the group did not exist when she moved in, Sue met others interested in singles activities at the Clubhouse and together they formed the SunShine Singles. She enjoys all of the activities and the companionship offered by the group. Sue participates in other Sabal Springs activities as well, such as Aquacise, Jazzercise, line dancing, dominoes, craft projects, etc. She also has volunteered for events and served on a variety of committees. Her motto is: “People need to get out of their houses and socialize!”
ZEST FOR LIFE AND FUN IS AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL
Another SunShine Singles adventurer is Lorraine Harrington who came to Florida from Vermont. She was married for nearly 60 years and when they retired, moved to North Port, Fla. After her husband passed, she made the decision to sell their home as it had a large lawn and swimming pool and was too much to take care of alone. Her daughter owned a business in this area, so she looked for a home for some time, but she said as soon as she drove through the gatehouse area, knew she wanted to live here. Lorraine liked the structure of the homes and the fact that there was a Clubhouse with a bar and restaurant — a place to meet other people. Thus, Lorraine also became part of the original group of SunShine Singles as she wanted to enjoy activities with a larger group. Lorraine was, and is still, a very active lady who is 91-plus years old. She had four children, was director of the Kids Center at a ski area in Vermont in the winter and director of a kids day camp during the summer for more than 30 years.
Additionally, she gave ski lessons and taught craft classes before and after moving here. While she did not start painting until after she retired, many people may know her through her artwork, which often depicts colorful flamingos, which are on display (and for sale) at the Eagles Landing restaurant.
Lorraine and Sue are often the first ones on the dance floor when there is a good beat to be heard. I have an amazing image of her recently dancing with both arms and one leg in the air while shimmying. She says she enjoys all of the activities that have been offered through the SunShine Singles, especially the nature adventures such as our recent tour of Iguanaland, Babcock Ranch Preserve, and the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary (last year). She enthusiastically attends Aquacise, Jazzercise, line dancing lessons, and has held craft events at her home. She is active in the Arts & Crafts Committee and has hosted at stop along the Progressive Golf Cart event.
The SunShine singles engaged in a number of April activities, including pool parties on Sunday afternoons, enjoying a Sweet Adeline’s performance, dancing to Michael Glean and Bandstand, attending a Lee County Community Band event, being amazed by the “The Mentalist,” having lunch at the Wisteria Tea House, partaking of HonkyTonk line dancing lessons, in addition to watching movies and attending “The Little Shop of Horrors” play at the Florida Repertory Theater in Fort Myers.
May promises to be a very active month as well. The next meeting will be May 27, 4:30 pm, in the Sunshine Room at Eagles Landing.
If you would like to have your name added to our list (or removed), please contact Jane Hansen ([email protected]).
