Orchid Mania is nestled on ten acres of trees and ponds in the quiet countryside where more than 50,000 orchids are grown and sold at reasonable prices to wholesalers and to the public. As you tour the 6 greenhouses of the many wild and hybrid species, the friendly staff can help you in choosing the orchids that best suit your particular needs. Their expert advice on orchid care will insure your growing success.

Neighbor #1:

One of my favorite memories is of when my sister and I fashioned two chairs from the snow and played king and queen on them until the snow froze and we used then as slides! I have a BA in Latin and English from the University of Michigan, and a MA in Latin from Wayne State University. I also have a gifted endorsement from Sarasota. I am a retired teacher. I worked in elementary grades for 12 years and high school for 19 years. I am presently in my 15th year of tutoring for Sylvan Learning Centers. I grew up with an older brother, and a younger sister. He became a radiologist and she is a Bridge Master. I also have a daughter. My husband is an avid golfer and Bridge player. I love to walk, play tennis, read and do jigsaw puzzles. I am very anxious to revisit Rome or event live there!

Neighbor #2:

I was born in Chicago, the fourth of six children in a Czech family. My father worked in the steel industry and the Czechs looked out for one another. He saw to it that a young son of a fellow worker got an education. So when I came along, he in this chit. I bagan at Crane Jr. College, progressed to Armco Technical which became Illinois Institute of Technology, for an education in engineering. Asked what my aim was, I replied to my interviewer, "I want your job." I worked at different section of the company and was asked to go to Scotland to right a failing department of the company. I spent several years there getting it in good position before returning home. I had experience in all facets of the business, so I fullfilled my initial wish and became head of the firm. Later in life, my wife and I retired and came to Florida because our son lived here.

Residents attended Van Wezel for this wonderful show in January. Faust, fly balls, and devilishly good fun all meet at the home plate of the 7 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Damn Yankees. A 1950s middle aged baseball fanatic trades his soul to the Devil for a chance to lead his favorite team in the pennant race. Filled with his songs like, Whatever Lola Wants and You Gotta Have Heart, this show is a musical comedy home run!

Theresa Stevens is a Hearing Aids specialist with the Hearing Centers of Charlotte County. Each month, she comes to our very own Wellness Center to helps residents with hearing aids needs, check for ear wax build-up, etc. In January, however, she presented a special seminar on Wireless Technologies with Hearing Aids. Many benefited from this educational event.

Enriching the lives of seniors everyday is part of the Jacaranda Trace mission. Offering cultural arts events has proved to be extremely popular among our residents since we live in an area so rich in both visual and performing arts. Sarasota Opera offered the classic Madama Butterfly this season, and we couldn't resist the opportunity to attend. Jacaranda Trace offers cultural events year-round at many venues.

Arts & Leisure has teamed up with the Adult & Community Education Center to provide residents with stimulating courses that interest a broad range of individuals. Florida: A Short Social History, provides attendees with a brief historical synopsis on the changes, influences and transformations the state of Florida has had to endure. The instructor also explains how the past has resulted in our current Floridian habitat. If history isn't your forte, foreign language, art and philosophy classes are also available throughout the year.

Time to slip on your cowboy boots and hop into Line Dancing Class! Whether you are at a beginner's or intermediate level, there is a place for you. So grab your partner and get ready for a great time with instructor Jacki Wheeler and friends from the Jacaranda Trace community.

Hand and Foot is a card game similar to Canasta, which  involves four players in partnership. Many of our Cadbury Commons Club Members enjoy this game, and play it on a weekly basis. Being involved in games such as Hand and Foot keeps their mind stimulated and allows them to socialize with friends that have like interests. Jacaranda Trace even has a room exclusively dedicated to residents playing organized card games!

What better way to stay motivated in your fitness endeavors than to exercise with friends? Body Toning is a group exercise class that uses precise movements and light weights to build muscle and strength throughout the body. This class is offered three times weekly and helps our residents feel vibrant and strong. Each session provides participants with the motivation they need to stay active.

Yoga combines the balance of mind, body and spirit. Our certified Yoga instructor helps those involved to feel at ease both inside and out. This calming, yet challenging exercise aids in stretching techniques and meditation. Yoga poses focus on all muscle groups and allow for great spiritual insight and tranquility.