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You are here: Home / The Gary Cardillo Group’s Blog

When Did We Stop Laughing at Ourselves?

September 1, 2023 by Gary Cardillo

Almost two years ago, my wife signed us up as members of St. Andrew’s South Golf Club, as it occurred to her I was spending too much time sitting behind a computer or working late into the evening, and my only outlet was doing yard work. Somewhere along the way, I became my father! I wasn’t doing anything fun in my spare time. Try explaining that to someone who spends half their year bundled up during the winter months, and they’ll think you lost your mind when you live on the water and close to a host of golf courses. Sure, there are more challenging courses than St. Andrews; for years, when asked why I didn’t join, I would tease and tell them that due to the relatively flat terrain of the course, that’s where they used to host the areas Greyhound races. Now before you think, “This guy must be some golfer,” let me tell you this course has gotten the better of me in more ways than one. While St. Andrew’s South may not be hosting the U.S. Open anytime soon, this club is second to none in terms of the people we’ve met and the friends we’ve made.

Golfers have their unique brand of humor. They can hit a great shot and tell you it’s just another of the many great shots they routinely make. And no one is quicker to tease you about the shot you just hit into the water or lost in the trees than the guys in your foursome. This may sound cruel to some, but that makes the sport so much fun, and the guys I play with will never miss an opportunity to celebrate your crummy shot. While there is no shortage of sarcasm, they are equally supportive of the good ones too….or at least they feign they are!

Unfortunately, that fun time on the course ended in April. I was playing in a small tournament with this cast of characters when I tore my rotator cuff, and I haven’t been able to play golf since. For anyone who has had this injury and gone through surgery and physical therapy, I can tell you it isn’t something you would put on your bucket list. Perhaps the most frustrating part of the recovery process is the sleepless nights, but there is always a silver lining with every challenge.

While the rest of the neighborhood was sound asleep, I was entertained by some shows and comedians we grew up watching. Between all the documentaries and infomercials, it was as if they were all waiting for me. There was Groucho Marx, All in the Family’s Archie Bunker, Sanford and Son’s Redd Foxx, Don Rickles, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Rodney Daingerfield, and George Carlin, to name a few. Shows and comedians I hadn’t seen in what seemed like decades not only took my mind off the discomfort I was experiencing but somehow made me realize the stark difference in the things that entertained us back then and how many of those things couldn’t be said today. How did we become so thinned-skinned that we couldn’t laugh at ourselves or gain a better understanding of life’s injustices without going into the frenzy we see today? Can we blame it all on the media?

If you have ever played a sport, you know what teasing happens between your teammates and in the locker room. The nationally-ranked high school soccer team I played on was comprised of virtually every nationality you could imagine. I was one of the few American-born kids on the team, and don’t think we didn’t make fun of each other when we could barely understand what our teammate was saying. We laughed at our differences and celebrated the things we shared in common.

We had friends who were politicians and others whose political opinions differed from ours. Maybe it was a time when we didn’t feel like doomsday was right around the corner and the president our friend supported was in the process of driving the train over a cliff. To this day, we still can discuss our differing viewpoints without the thought of a friendship being compromised. I always felt it was better to listen and learn from other people’s experiences, which made the shows I mentioned earlier so special. While most watched them for entertainment or just a laugh at the end of a long work day, I developed an even deeper appreciation of them during these overnight hours.

As diverse as these shows and comedians were, their performances were all based on some form of social commentary. While we laughed at Archie Bunker referring to his son-in-law Michael as the “Meat Head,” most would agree it was Archie with his narrow-minded personal and political views. Richard Pryor and Redd Fox had us laughing till our sides hurt, but no one painted a better picture of the injustices so many people of color endured regarding their interactions with the police. Eddie Murphy’s SNL skit Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood, where he describes gentrification as “A magic trick where the white people pay money, and the black people disappear,” could never be shown on television today.

Don Rickles was an equal opportunity insulter. He made fun of every nationality and race you could imagine. If the celebrity guest or audience member wasn’t quick enough to catch on to his insult, he called them a “moron.” He always followed up with, “You know I’m kidding,” and then would roll his eyes to confirm that person was a moron. Try saying that to someone you don’t know today and see the response you get.

This leaves me with the last three, Robin Williams, George Carlin, and Rodney Daingerfield. No one was more quick-witted than Robin Williams. While we remember him for his rapid-fire one-liners, the diversity of his movies, such as The Dead Poets Society, Good Morning Vietnam, and The Birdcage, often shed more light on many of the social issues we faced then. In contrast, we remember Rodney Daingerfield not only for his iconic role in Caddy Shack but as the one comedian who always made fun of his deficiencies and bad luck. His “self-deprecating” sense of humor that always ended, “I get no respect,” was refreshing in many ways and made us take ourselves a bit less seriously. Unfortunately, like Robin Williams, Daingerfield fought depression most of his life, which was another life lesson so many quietly suffer from today.

I saved George Carlin for last, as he was perhaps the best regarding social commentaries. In an article written by Helbert Enrique Asprilla, entitled “Why George Carlin Is My Dead Mentor,” he reflects on the life of the late George Carlin, who was known for his “thought-provoking, stand-up comedy, tackling topics such as politics, languages, and the human condition.” Asprilla continues by saying, “Carlin offers a wealth of knowledge and insight, challenging social norms and encouraging us to think critically about the world around us. Whether through his commentary on politics and government, his observations on the human experience, or his critiques on authority and institutions, Carlin’s comedy has much to teach us about the absurdity of the world and the importance of questioning the status quo.” In one of his routines, “Life is Worth Losing,” Carlin relates, “We’re all just temporary custodians of our bodies…we’re just passing through, and this is just a stop along the way.” Asprilla concluded, “Carlin’s perspective on the fleeting nature of life can help us appreciate and make the most of the time we have, rather than getting caught up on the trivialities and materialism of the world today.”

 

While many of these comedic icons have passed, the life lessons through their work live on to this day. I’m convinced comedy is not just a respite from the everyday challenges life throws at us but is the antidote we need to put life into a bit more perspective and take ourselves a bit less seriously.

 

-Gary Cardillo

Filed Under: Events & Activities Tagged With: blog, florida, for sale, gary cardillo, laught at ourselves, newsletter, punta gorda, realtor, waterfront

Dive Into Freedom, Join the Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim

July 3, 2023 by Gary Cardillo

Join the adventure that started as a spontaneous act over 30 years ago. Picture this: a group of friends led by the daring Punta Gorda attorney, Michael Haymans, decided to honor Independence Day by embarking on an extraordinary journey. They set out to conquer the 1.5-mile stretch across the majestic Peace River, inspired by tales of bygone generations who viewed this as a rite of passage. Little did they know that their audacious endeavor would blossom into something truly remarkable.

Word quickly spread about their exhilarating escapade, captivating the imaginations of those who yearned for a taste of the extraordinary. The flame ignited by Haymans and his comrades burned brightly, captivating hearts and minds. Today, an awe-inspiring spectacle unfolds on the waters of Charlotte Harbor—the renowned Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim. An astonishing gathering of 1,000 to 1,500 individuals, adorned with red, white, and blue, come together for a remarkable celebration of freedom.

This is no ordinary race; it’s a vibrant happening that defies convention. Here, you’ll witness a kaleidoscope of creativity, as stand-up paddleboards, inflatable rafts, inner tubes, and even plastic noodles accompany the spirited swimmers. Kayaks glide alongside, their occupants accompanied by their beloved canine companions. It’s a dazzling display of unity, a bubbling symphony of laughter and joy. The locals fondly refer to it as a “bobblefest,” a term that captures the sheer bliss that permeates the atmosphere.

What sets this event apart is the absence of rigid regulations. Common sense and courtesy serve as the guiding principles for participants. And remember, it’s always wise to swim with a buddy, ensuring safety and camaraderie throughout the journey.

Picture yourself surrounded by a sea of patriots, basking in the warm glow of the sun on the afternoon of July 4, 2023. The tides dictate the start, precisely at 2:30 p.m., on the east side of the Punta Gorda Bridge’s north end. As you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by a brief but essential pre-swim briefing, ensuring everyone is prepared for the adventure that awaits.

This year, the conditions might pose a challenge, as the outgoing tidal current won’t be there to assist you. Fear not, for Michael Haymans, the unwavering force behind this remarkable event, assures us that “the slosh” will be in your favor, providing a slight advantage that will make the crossing a little easier. It’s an opportunity not to be missed.

To reach the starting point, venture to Live Oak Point Park, nestled at 5100 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte. Park availability is limited due to nearby construction, so we recommend an alternative approach. Consider parking at the end point of your grand aquatic journey—Fisherman’s Village. From there, arrange to be dropped off by car, boat, or even an Uber at the Freedom Swim’s starting location. Alternatively, you can park across the bridge in Punta Gorda and take a delightful stroll to the put-in site, immersing yourself in the anticipation that hangs in the air.

As you embark on this journey, you’ll find comfort in knowing that several vessels will accompany you, safeguarding your voyage. However, each swimmer is responsible for their own safety and support team, ensuring that courage and preparation go hand in hand.

But the adventure doesn’t end with the swim. Rejoice in your achievement at Fisherman’s Village, where lively melodies will grace your ears and a plethora of children’s activities, including face painting, will captivate the young at heart. The festivities commence at noon and continue until 9 p.m with the display of fireworks across the Harbor.

Master the Freedom Swim: Essential Tips for Participation

With the soaring popularity of the Freedom Swim, ensuring safety has become paramount. To preserve the spirit of this remarkable event, organizer Michael Haymans has implemented some crucial measures. Here are the must-know guidelines:

1. Know your limits: If you’re not a confident swimmer, it’s best to admire the spectacle from the bridge or join the adventure on a kayak or paddleboard. Remember, safety first! Haymans vividly recalls a past incident where a group of participants were swept upstream, leading to a rescue operation by law enforcement boats. Let’s strive to avoid such situations and cherish the swim responsibly.

2. Strength in numbers: Never embark on the swim alone. Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or a novice, ensure you have close support throughout your journey. Safety is a shared responsibility.

3. Sign in for success: Every swimmer must sign in at the start of the race. This helps organizers keep track of participants and ensures accountability. Make sure you check-in to be a part of this extraordinary experience.

4. Follow the leader: Rest assured, Michael Haymans, the driving force behind this event, leads by example. As a testament to his dedication, he stays by your side until everyone has taken the plunge. Count on him to be the last one to dive into the water, guiding you through this thrilling adventure.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can embrace the Freedom Swim with confidence, camaraderie, and an unwavering commitment to safety and be a part of local 4th of July tradtion.

*Pictures Sourced from Sun Herald

Filed Under: Community Information Tagged With: 4th of july, charlotte county, charlotte harbor, freedom swim, gary cardillo, peace riveer, punta gorda real estate, real estate, tradition

Real Estate Update

May 22, 2023 by Gary Cardillo

You may be thinking, “What goes up, must come down,” and the real estate market is no different. However, unlike the stock market you still have your property which continues to have great value. When Hurricane Charley impacted the area, property prices skyrocketed due to investor interest and limited supply. A few years later many homeowners looking to sell complained that prices dropped. What they didn’t consider was unless they bought at the high, most still enjoyed increases in the valuation of their property that outpaced returns they were getting in the stock market. Now we are seeing the same thing. Prices rose due to what we perceived as panic buying that occurred during the pandemic, but with those fears subsiding, and travel being restored to more normalcy, we are seeing that buying frenzy abating. It started the end of July 2022, and with higher interest and insurance rates in addition to inflation and banking concerns for some, valuations have been trending lower. Single family home prices in Sarasota County dropped 9.6% in the month of April compared to the year before, dropping to an average of $650,789.00, while condominiums in Sarasota County fell by 3.3% to $640,583.00. Charlotte County saw a more significant decrease in the price of single family homes over the same time period falling 18.4% to $417,914.00 from a high of $511,939.00. Condominiums saw a 16.4% decrease from the previous year to $325,303.00. The boating communities of Punta Gorda Isles and Burnt Store Isles also saw single family homes selling for 20% less this April compared to April 2022, as the average selling price dropped from $1,043,625.00 to $835,166.00. Condominiums experienced a 13.25% drop as the average selling price adjusted from $422,510.00 to $383,854.00.

While the numbers may have adjusted, take heart. Most would agree the valuations of their homes are still significantly higher now than they were prior to the pandemic. For those who bought at the high during the pandemic, I would venture to say you are enjoying your lives here in Florida. For those looking to sell at this time, keep in mind the market isn’t the same as it was during the pandemic. Inventory is a bit higher and buyers are being more patient and looking for prices that aren’t as inflated. The good thing to consider is with the lower prices buyers are going to start reentering the market, but they are factoring in higher interest rates if they are financing, along with high costs association with insurance. With remodeling costs remaining high, these are the factors buyers are keeping in mind when purchasing a home. Homes are selling if they are being perceived to be competitively prices to others on the market when factoring in the cost to remodel along with the price to purchase the property.

Filed Under: Buying Real Estate, Selling Real Estate Tagged With: charlotte county, charlotte county realtor, florida, gary cardillo, homes, news, real estate, realtor, remax harbor, swfl, update, waterfront

A Champion for the Children

May 9, 2023 by Gary Cardillo

I consider myself very fortunate to have met so many wonderful people during my life that I’m blessed to call “friends.” Their backgrounds are as diverse as the world in which we live. Some have been politicians, others doctors, lawyers, law enforcement, and even those with rags-to-riches stories. While I love to celebrate their histories of accomplishment, the ones whose lives touch me most are those who passionately serve others, whether through personal sacrifice or by giving generously of their gifts and talents. Their backgrounds may differ vastly, but they desire to serve with little attention drawn to themselves. One such person is long-time friend Kim Amontree, whose contributions to our community read like a “Who’s Who.” Kim has served on the local school board as Vice Chair and as an integral member of a variety of boards and committees that include the “Punta Gorda Diversity Task Force,” “Charlotte County Chamber Government Affairs,” and “Charlotte County Reads” in addition to her various roles with the Florida School Boards Association. This association aims to increase student achievement by developing effective school board leadership and advocacy for public education.

Simply put, the FSBA is the “voice of education in Florida,” which Kim has served on multiple committees and continues today as co-Chair of the Legislative sub-Committee. Kim’s involvement with the community is just as comprehensive as she serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Southwest Florida and is “Chair of the Punta Gorda YMCA Community Board.” Her passion for children does not end there as she is a “Coalition Member of Drug-Free Punta Gorda,” a “Volunteer Reading Buddy.” She has also served as a mentor for Take Stock in Children and a coach for Girls on the Run. I’ve often felt Kim was the person I would call if my house were on fire as she’d be the first one on the scene and have it under control before the fire trucks arrived. She’s not one to sit back and hope for change; she’s a team player who will invoke the change.

I often ask those looking to move to our area what brought them here. For Kim, it was an opportunity for her husband Jim, a highly respected Gastroenterologist, to join the Intermedic practice years ago. Kim recalled how they met through a group of friends while both were living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They weren’t dating for long when Kim had an opportunity to move to New Orleans, working with NCR, a world-leading enterprise technology provider of software, hardware, and services for large banks and other entities. Jim was an Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico when a close physician friend notified him of the Intermedic opportunity. Kim jokingly said, “I told Jim I wasn’t moving just for love. It would be for a ring, a house, and a dog.” So in 1991, they made the move and never looked back. Despite being on a fast track herself, Kim put her career on hold to help Jim open his practice which came to fruition in 1999. Years later, having helped create a thriving medical practice and raising three gifted children, Kim said, “Life is short, and I wanted to spend time doing things that matter.” Those who know Kim know of her passion for community and children specifically. Having been a Realtor myself for 20 years, the questions from those looking to move to our area center around medical services and education, the question most dear to Kim’s heart.

Few of us would disagree that we live in a world fraught with many issues, from health and finance to the environment. Kim reflected, “Unfortunately, the problems in society we face today the next generation is going to have to solve, and that comes through education.” Equally challenging is the environment our educators face today. Aside from the lack of decorum exhibited in debates of opposing thoughts and philosophies, you hear in classrooms and on college campuses throughout the country, not to mention security challenges, Kim said, “There is a direct tie to the impact on educational performance that stems from socio-economic conditions. Approximately 60% of the children are “direct certified” (receiving some form of government assistance). Over 90% are considered “economically needy.” While the pandemic had devastating effects on the 2020-2021 school year, where 30% of the children missed more than ten days of school, a dramatic increase from the 12% norm, Kim said, “The Charlotte County school system wasn’t going to take the foot off the gas; the students were expected to learn the curriculum.” In 2021, the Charlotte County School System had its highest graduation rate of 91%. Not only did more children graduate, but they scored in the top tier of Florida’s Advance Placement Standardized Test.

Kim’s decision to join an organization or board comes down to one significant fact, “Does it benefit the children of the community?” I’ve always felt we educate our children to benefit other cities and towns across the country since, historically, there have been limited employment opportunities locally. Kim said they could benefit from higher-paying jobs by providing workforce opportunities to serve the community’s growth, such as aviation, where students can graduate with FAA certifications. Kim continued by saying that with the cost of education reaching all-time highs, providing white-collar opportunities without going through a four-year college program would reduce student loan debt and enable these students to earn a good living in less time. She added, “If you want better medicine and services, you must support and have confidence in the school system.” By passing the “Yes For Success” referendum, teachers’ salaries increased from $38,000 to $54,000, which is one of the highest in the state. The referendum enabled the school system to address the psychological impact many children face today. Succinctly stated, “Schools are the front line of mental health issues.” As a result of the passage of the referendum, they were able to triple the number of social workers and double the number of psychologists.

Kim continued, “Discipline is one of the biggest barriers to educational success. It only takes a two percent discipline problem in a class to impact the other ninety-eight percent.” When you factor in some families’ socio-economic challenges, taking 20 minutes a day to read with a child is often compromised. Kim added, “Some parents don’t know what they don’t know.” Reading with your child stimulates from a knowledge base perspective and builds a stronger parental bond.” I have often thought with the absence of this bond; one can only assume there is a correlation as to why we see so many issues manifesting in today’s generations.

I share Kim’s love for the children in our community as; for years; we were very involved in our son’s academic and athletic endeavors. I’m not sure who benefitted more from coaching our son’s teams and working on many school projects with him. To experience the confidence he developed academically and athletically was rewarding. Still, the enjoyment and personal satisfaction I had helping other children gain the same confidence when they weren’t seeing it in themselves was priceless.

Too many times, we sit in judgment of the child’s behavior rather than considering the cause. People like Kim take a different approach. She looks to the future and what these children need to be competitive. Through her involvement and mentorship, she helps foster initiatives and programs today that will pay dividends for the children in our community in the years to come. For anyone who has coached their child’s team, there were lessons gained that applied to everyday life. I saw children with discipline issues and a lack of confidence stemming from the lack of a supportive family blossom into individuals who entered a game or completed a school project with renewed confidence. It’s as if they just opened a gift, and to see the results of those early interactions years later is very rewarding.

We all have something that drives us. For some, it is personal betterment; for others, like Kim, it is investing in children to give them a more stable environment and a better chance for a bright future.

 

-Gary Cardillo

Filed Under: Community Information Tagged With: charlotte county, children, florida, FSBA, gary cardillo, kim amontree, real estate, remax harbor, school board, waterfront, youth

The Meaning of True Love

February 15, 2023 by Gary Cardillo

As Valentine’s Day is upon us, we think of it as celebrating the romance of couples in love. Men shower their wives or girlfriends with arrangements of red roses, a romantic dinner and cap it off with a heart-shaped box of chocolates. We reflect on the day we first met and celebrate our love. While I embrace that tradition, I’ve learned that “True Love” isn’t reserved just for couples in love.

One of the sweetest love stories I’ve ever known is not of a husband and wife but of a mother and daughter, and the love they share goes well beyond their bond. Anyone who has met Nanette Leonard and her mother, Adeline Seakwood, knows of their lasting contributions and passion to their chosen professions, community, and friends. Volumes have been written about their storied careers in the entertainment industry, and for someone who just celebrated her 100th birthday, Adeline’s life is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Brooklyn in 1923, she was enamored with New York City’s entertainment industry. Starting as a John Robert Powers model, she went on to appear in several films before taking on the highly skilled position as a production secretary, a title she later had the industry change to “Production Office Coordinator.” The production office was the “brain” that organized a film’s necessary functions. Adeline handled budgets, production schedules, transportation, locations, permits, equipment rentals, billing, getting catered food on set, and communicating with crew members and the actors. From her appearance in Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest,” Adeline worked on numerous TV shows that, included “Naked City,” “The Patty Duke Show,” and “The Defenders.”

She also worked on major motion pictures where she rubbed shoulders with Paul Newman, Christopher Reeve, Michael J. Fox, Farrah Fawcett, Burt Reynolds, and Peter Falk of Colombo fame. She recounts a story of a last-minute script change on the last day of shooting of “Three Days of the Condor,” starring Robert Redford. While Adeline’s role was typically off-camera and behind the scenes, she rushed to the movie set that was in Manhattan to deliver the revised pages. Spectators who were cordoned off behind the ropes wanted to know who the woman was that was delivering the script to Robert Redford, who then picked her up and kissed her. Without missing a beat, Adeline said, “that’s how rumors start.”

In 2016 I had the pleasure of interviewing Nanette Leonard, Adeline’s daughter. Like her mother, Nanette is not comfortable having the spotlight shine on her. I think it’s safe to say you would have an easier time getting the combination to Fort Knox than you can get Nanette to talk about her extraordinary life. Growing up in Stuyvesant Town in New York City, Nanette was exposed to the vibe of big city life and the culture that went along with it. She developed an appreciation for music and the arts at a young age by taking guitar and piano lessons, even writing half a dozen songs. With a smile, she added, “There wasn’t any way I could ever quit my day job.” However, like her mother, the entertainment industry was in her blood.

Nan an experienced public relations/marketing professional and producer with over 40 years in the entertainment industry began her career at Allied Artists Pictures, serving as Publicity Manager, working on PR campaigns for Academy Award-winning films that included, “Cabaret,” “The Man Who Would Be King,” and “Papillon.” At United Artists, Nan served as East Coast Director of Publicity, mounting PR campaigns on such films as “Raging Bull,” the Bond films, “The French Lieutenant’s Woman,” starring Meryl Streep, and has worked with Steve Guttenberg, Marvin Hamlisch, Alan King, Jay Leno, and Redbook Magazine. In the 80s, Nan became Senior Vice President at Solters/Roskin/Friedman, one of the largest entertainment PR firms, where she represented Whoopi Goldberg and helped launch her career. Also included in a long list of celebrities Nan represented are Dolly Parton, Gregory Peck, Frances Ruffelle (“Les Miserables”), and Anthony Crivello (Kiss of the Spider Woman). In 1992, Nanette opened her agency, “Nanette Leonard Public Relations,” servicing a diverse clientele that included two-time Tony Award-winning actress Judith Ivey, Tony Award winner Anthony Crivello, international television personality, journalist, and author, Cristina Saralegui, Michael Uslan (Executive Producer of all the Batman films) and a host of organizations that reads like a “Who’s Who.”

One would think with just a fraction of their impressive resumes I’m sharing, Adeline and Nanette would find contentment reminiscing on their extraordinary past. However, those experiences have provided a foundation for the care and service they continue to give their community and the lives they touch. Unlike the typical daughter taking care of a mother relationship; this is more like George Burns and Gracie Allen; comedian and straight man, with Adeline being the comedian. As I entered their home, I was taken aback by the hundreds of cards, flowers, and balloons from Adeline’s recent 100th birthday celebration. Among all the gifts and early Valentine’s Day decorations was a signed picture from Robert Redford, congratulating Adeline on her special day. Sensing I was somewhat overwhelmed, Adeline grabbed my arm and, pointing to Nanette, said, “You know Nurse Radchet” (of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” fame), don’t you?” I couldn’t help but laugh, knowing this would be one of my most entertaining interviews. Adeline is as quick-witted as Nanette is humble. Each time Nanette would leave the room to answer one of the many calls she received, Adeline would proudly share Nan’s accomplishments and tell me how proud she is of all her achievements and how much she appreciates all Nan does for her. She said, “She’s added ten years to my life.” I would venture to say, “Much more.”

I recall the movie “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” where a man played by Brad Pitt starts aging backward. As each year passes, he gets progressively younger-looking. Adeline and Nanette would be a real-life version of this movie. As long as I’ve known them, they look younger with each passing day. Adeline shared with me a previous interview she did where the radio host asked, “Your complexion is so good; what do you use?” The story goes she looked at Nanette, “who looked back in horror and gave her a “NO, Don’t say it,” signal, and said, “I was going to say because I use Preparation H, a standard application in the modeling industry, but so as not to embarrass Nanette I said, “Dove Soap.” Alfred Hitchcock, too, was mesmerized by her beauty during the filming “North by Northwest,” and said she was “too pretty” to put into a street scene as an extra and put her in an elevator scene behind Cary Grant. On the first take, Grant stood in front of her so she couldn’t be seen. As filming paused, without missing a beat, Adeline whispered in Grant’s ear, “My mother would never forgive you.”

You would think with backgrounds like theirs, they would have been attracted to a larger city, but Adeline’s husband, who was the love of her life she lost in 2016, said he needed the warm weather. Adeline shared, “The first thing I ever said to him after being married was, “One place I never want to live is Florida.” When he asked why, she said, “Your hair comes down the minute you walk out the door, and your makeup falls off.” She still feels his loss and says he would often tell her, “God outdid himself when he created you,” and “I won the lottery in life the day I met you.” Adeline said their marriage was idyllic, and together wrote 25 love songs about their relationship.

For Nanette, the move to Punta Gorda was an act of love. Having lived in Middletown, New Jersey, for 34 years, Nan was not only relocating her business but leaving friends and organizations she had supported for years. Affectionately she added, “It’s a circle of life. My parents took care of me; it was my time to take care of them.” Nan continued, “My stepdad would often say, “My blood may not run through your veins, but my love does.” For Nan, the move was a leap of faith. “I didn’t know what I was going to do,” but she committed to herself that she would recreate the type of life she had in New Jersey in Punta Gorda. Some people take a lifetime to leave a lasting impression on their community and friends; for Adeline and Nanette, very few organizations haven’t benefitted from their love and commitment. For 30 years, Adeline has been a Punta Gorda Civic Association member and is known to all as the “Sunshine Lady.” While the role was considered an Ambassador of sorts welcoming new members, she expanded the role to offer solace and encouragement to the ill and bereaved. Adeline said, “I always write notes to people, letting people know there is someone who cares about them. She continued, “From the moment I moved to Punta Gorda 30 years ago, I wanted to give back to my community, and I’m always forming groups.” She recounted a group of women she formed where one came and said, “I miss my mother,” Without hesitation, I said, “You could have me as Mom #2.”

The woman threw her arms around Adeline and said, “Would you?” that is how it started and grew from there. Some collect jewelry, antiques, and autograph pictures; I collect friends.” On the other hand, Nan champions more causes in the community than you can imagine. She has a soft heart for animals and is on the board of directors with the Welfare League. Aside from her countless hours of community service, Nanette created her organization called “Fresh Jersey Tomatoes (FJT). What started as a few ladies from New Jersey who met at a restaurant reminiscing about their lives back home now boasts over 350 members. Now in its 8th year, FJT’s has collected toys to benefit Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, and filled a 58-foot trailer with supplies sent to Ukraine to help those suffering in their war-torn nation.

In 2015 Nan brought a short film festival to Charlotte County and the Punta Gorda Short Film Festival was born. Along with her business partner, Doug LeClaire, director and creator of Asbury Shorts/USA (New York City’s longest-running concert of award-winning short films), it is as a celebration of the World’s Best Short Films.”

Adeline and Nanette share their unique backgrounds and commitment to serving others continually and feel Punta Gorda is the “smallest city with the biggest heart.” Yet despite their ongoing community involvement, they savor their moments together. They leave loving notes for each other and end each day watching a rerun together of “Everyone Loves Raymond. As they turn out the lights of another productive day, they each make the shape of a heart with their hands and finish by saying, “I love you.” Then out of the darkness, a voice replies, “I love you more.”

In today’s age, where tradition, compassion, and service to others are often missing, I was honored to be invited into a home filled with so much love and embodied an aura of a sweeter, kinder, and gentler era. As I was leaving, Nanette shared with me the video tribute of her mother’s 100-year celebration. I was surprised to find out what an accomplished pianist she is. While Nanette plays the guitar, both play by ear, and similar to the Beatles, neither can read music, which confirms my belief music comes from the soul.

I often consider how blessed I was to have grown up in a loving family and, for the past 34 years, have had an equally loving marriage. As I got back into my car, I couldn’t help but feel the contagiousness of the love story Adeline and Nanette shared with me. After losing my mother and mother-in-law, it was very gratifying to know I walked away having been adopted by another “Mom” as well.

-Gary Cardillo

Filed Under: Community Information Tagged With: adeline seakwood, florida real estate, gary cardillo, meaning of true love, nanette leonard, newsletter, remax harbor

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