Where are you from? Where have you lived before moving to Oak Hammock?
NC – I am originally from Presque Isle, Maine. I was in the United States Army for 20 years, so I lived in many places. The most time we’ve lived anywhere was in Fairfax County, Virginia.
LC – I’m from Lafayette, Indiana. We moved to Oak Hammock from Hernando in Citrus County, Florida.
Close
What was your career?
NC – I was in the Army for 20 years, and then I worked in the defense industry as a program manager, a technology manager, and in marketing.
LC – I was a home economics teacher for 30 years. I taught in five different states, Germany and all over the place. So it was a fun career from that perspective.
What is an accomplishment you’re proud of (professionally or personally)?
NC – The most exciting thing we did was living in White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, for three years, and Heidelberg, Germany, for two years.
LC – I’d have to agree. I taught high school in Heidelberg. Then we moved to a bit of town where I ended up teaching math, English, and writing to Army soldiers. That was pretty rewarding.
What do you value the most about the Oak Hammock community?
NC – I value the people and the association with the University of Florida.
LC – I agree, and the opportunity with the Institute for Learning in Retirement. Those classes are always interesting, and they keep us so busy. I also value the medical partnership with UF Health and Shands Hospital.
What do you like the most about being retired?
NC – I don’t have to get up at 5:15 in the morning and drive through Washington, D.C. traffic!
LC – I like being able to pick and chose what I want to do and when I want to do it and having the opportunity to travel, as well.
Where is your favorite place to travel to?
LC – I would say Maui in Hawaii. We’ve been going there almost every year since 1988. It’s the one place where you can see mountains out of one window and the ocean out of the other. They have beautiful weather for most of the year. One other place we loved is Norway for its beautiful scenery.
NC – I would say the same, absolutely.
What is one thing you would want the newest residents of Oak Hammock to know?
NC – Don’t get too involved too quickly. First, look around and decide what interests you. Then, weigh your options when thinking about all of the activities.
LC – One thing that’s unique about Oak Hammock – if you don’t see an activity you’d like to do, you are encouraged to start it up! For example, we have started a wine club where we learn about and try different wines.