At Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, we are committed to the highest infection control standards. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to follow all recommended guidelines from local, state and federal agencies. Our goal is to keep everyone in our community safe, while staying dedicated to our pursuit of life-long learning, health and wellness and happiness in retirement. For more information, view our updates and precautionary measures.
Pat Blews
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Where are you from? Where have you lived before moving to Oak Hammock? Pat: I spent most of my life in Miami Florida, but I have lived in Haile Plantation since 2003.
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What was your career? -
What is your biggest accomplishment (professionally or personally)? Pat: I would say that raising three children is my biggest accomplishment. In my more recent days, I have been hiking national parks. I think it has been about 12 now, but it’s hard to keep track. That is something that I loved doing; everyone asks me which one is my favorite but it’s so hard to choose. They are all beautiful, inspiring, and every one different.
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What is your goal for retirement? Pat: My goal is to try to stay as fit as possible. I frequently go for walks and go to Gainesville Health and Fitness. I also want to just enjoy life and do all my gator things in Gainesville.
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Do you have any hidden talents? Pat: I like to write. I am not a published writer but when I was visiting national parks, I was really interested in children’s literature. I would write children's books for my grandchildren with personalized characters to encourage them to visit the national parks.
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What do you like to do in your spare time? Pat: I am a part of an organization called PEO International, which supports scholarships for women, and I support the Gatortown Gators Scholarship fund. I also always visit the football, basketball, and gymnastics sports events. I am planning to go to more season tickets to other sports as well, like baseball and softball. I also love to travel and visit my family near Atlanta.
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What made you want to join the Oak Hammock community? Pat: My mother lived to be 98 and she belonged to a CCRC, where she went through independent, assistant and nursing care. As her caretaker, it made my life so much easier and I wanted to make it easy on my kids as I aged. I’ve known I was coming here to Oak Hammock since I lived in Miami and have been on the waitlist for years. When the time was right for me to come, I just knew. I am also crazy about the gators and love Gainesville and it just seemed to fit. The university town brings with it art, culture, sports, and good healthcare.
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What is one thing people should know about Oak Hammock? Pat: This is a very welcoming campus that tries hard to make you feel welcome and get adjusted. The fact that they try to help you get acquainted and connected is a very big plus. Also, they offer so many different ways to entertain yourself here. If you can't find it at Oak Hammock, you probably never will.
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