Meet A Resident of 10+ Years

We thought you might enjoy this Q&A with a true insider! Anne Thompson is a 10-year resident of Spanish Lakes Fairways in Fort Pierce, Florida. ☀️

Hi Anne, when did you move to Spanish Lakes Fairways, and where did you move from?

My Husband Don and I moved to SL Fairways 10 years ago from our longtime home in Hermon, Maine. I grew up in Maine and Don in Ohio. We left our son, daughter-in-law, three grandchildren and many lifelong friends. We came down with the idea of going back more often but it seems we are pretty happy to just be here. I'm blessed to have a daughter here in Florida and a lovely granddaughter, Kaitlyn. In the 10 years since coming to Florida, we've been able to follow Kaitlyn and her school events. We attended her UCF graduation earlier this month.

You’re retired now. Tell us about your career.

I worked in medical offices - everything from psychiatrist to gastroenteritis to oral surgery. And I retired while working for Don who had a court reporting business.

Did it take you long to make friends in the community?

Only if you were to stay in your home would you not have friends. We were welcomed into different folds immediately. Don plays golf with a group who goes out at 7:00 a.m! He got labeled 'new guy' 10 years ago. It stuck. Our first club meeting was the New England Club. Much to our happy surprise we met Ruth and George who were original residents to the park. They were not only from our area in Maine, but George drove by our home in Hermon daily on his way to work. New England had a big contingency here, as does Ohio, Michigan, New Jersey and New York. I guess what surprised me the most about our move is how well we adjusted. We have always felt welcomed and at home.

What activities do you enjoy the most at Spanish Lakes Fairways?

When I'm not sewing I can be found playing Mahjongg with friends, at the pool or golfing. I was president of our Ladies Golf League for 6 years. I loved it and having fun with so many great girls. When the chance came up to run for golf club president, I considered carefully and ran and won. I had such great support from both men and women. I'm looking for a fun and successful first year and more following.

My years running Ladies League afforded me a chance to get to know SL Country Club. With permission, the league played golf on Country Club's course and the Country Club girls came to Fairways. We did this little tournament for 5 years. We all enjoyed it so much and looked forward to it.

So you’re the new Golf Club President! What do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing golf?

My sewing room is my haven. I've been sewing for years, making back to school outfits, jammies and so much more. When my oldest granddaughter, Rachel was 9 or 10, she decided that I should have a website and promote my shopping bags. I let her have her fun. I continue to make jammies. Grands always get a new pair for Christmas and when I ask if they are getting too old (23, 22, 21 and 14), I get a loud NO!

Before the mask mandate was in place, I made some masks and put out the word that I had them if anyone wanted, free. Those were the first 25 of over 500 made and distributed. Some traveled to Maine, California and even Tanzania.

What amenities at Fairways do you use the most?

Fairways offers so many amenities, from golf, book club to tennis and pickleball. So many things and we are kept updated in our weekly bulletin. Don and I try to get to the monthly happy hour dance now more than ever. After the worst of the pandemic, it's so good to get reacquainted with friends, dance and snack and just have fun. My grands laugh at us as the happy hour ends at 7:00, just when they are getting ready to go out.

How do you like to get around the community?

One of our first acquisitions was a golf cart. It saves so much wear on our car as we are just a mile from the clubhouse and golf course and there so often. I also have a bike and walk. This heat isn't conducive to walking though.

What do you like about your home?

We bought our home from the children of former owners who were also good friends. The first time I saw it, I made some silent plans for some updates. We did those and just love it. It's bright and open. Our home was a three bedroom. I say “was” because it got turned into my sewing room very fast. We keep the air mattresses ready when needed.

Do you often go to Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, or other nearby towns?

Don and I feel we have the best of both worlds living in Fort Pierce. We are close to Vero Beach and able to enjoy all the good things Vero has to offer and also the many things going on in Fort Pierce. We don't have to travel far. I don't think we have a favorite place. We love eating by the water and love going to [C.J.] Cannons by the airport as well.

If you had guests visiting from out of state, where would you take them?

When friends or family visit, it's fun taking them to farmers markets and the Fort Pierce arena. And even the Brevard Zoo is not too far to visit.

Five or six years ago, my brother came for a visit. Don took him around to explore. There was a new lot open on the golf course, 18th green. He went home and within days I received an email from him saying, “Hi, Neighbor.” He bought plans to build a home. I’ve loved having him here. A couple years after that, my sister came down from Portland, Maine. Upon returning, she asked if I would keep my eyes open for a home. On a whim, I sent her pictures of a home having an open house. She made an offer and bought it.

What is something interesting about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I think after ten years, not much would surprise my friends. I'm kind of an open book. I hope they know that I'm happy, caring and respectful of them.

What advice would you give to a prospective resident looking for a 55+ community on the Treasure Coast?

We have been so very happy here. You might say we just fell into our home. We hadn't researched the area. Perhaps not everyone would be so fortunate. I would suggest people come for a visit. Ask questions. The Treasure Coast is certainly more low key than other parts of Florida. This is what we like.

Parting thoughts?

Are there some shortfalls to living here? Sure. Nothing and no place is perfect but a place or home is what you make it. I choose to make Spanish Lakes Fairways my happy home. ☀️