The professionalism/graciousness of the staff is overwhelming, the friendliness/warmth of the residents palpable, the soothing/breathtaking beauty of the community visceral.
Phil G
- Verified Resident (Since 2012)
I do not know what I like best.
Is it the professionalism and graciousness of the staff, each one of whom almost seems like a member of the family, only nicer? The access staff who, despite knowing us, continue to let us in each and every time and who wave while doing so, and say nice things about our golden retriever. The food and beverage staff with their continuous flow of delectable spreads from snacks at The Half-Way House to gourmet meals at The Beach Club, each one served with efficiency and with a welcoming smile that makes the simplest dining experience that much more flavorful. The deep knowledge of The Fitness Center staff, a knowledge that encourages and gives each one of us the tools to stay younger in the face of growing older. The behind the scenes staff - the cooks, the accountants, the groundskeeping and the maintenance staffs, the quiet champions who make our lives so pleasurable that we wake up each morning pinching ourselves. And the golf staff, beginning with the shop, operations, starters (is there any better way to ease into a round of golf?), the marshals (no one makes you feel better about being at Orchid) and ending with the professional staff, whose solid talent and generosity in sharing it actually make you feel OK about re-living the miserable round you just played, confident in the belief that tomorrow the course will be at your command.
Is it the friendliness and warmth of the residents? The Board of Governors who do a great job of communicating often, and with clarity, to the membership. The unknown lady who bicycles by each day, listening to music but with time to wave. The neighbor who comes by asking if she can walk your dog. The early risers walking the beach or the streets who, while not yet daybreak, still have smiles broad enough you can see. The fellow golfer who whips by you in his cart shouting encouragement while needling you for your lack of speed. The friend who cannot wait to give you the 'best itinerary' for your upcoming trip to Ireland, or Africa, or S. America, or . . . The guy you spend 18 holes with and who does NOT tell you he is the CEO of this company or served in the administration of that President. The person who is so passionate about birding that he takes photos for and helps edit a brochure on the birds of Orchid Island. The myriad of neighbors, with varying interests, who want you enjoy that which they enjoy, and who enthusiastically endorse your participation. The people who voluntarily come up to introduce themselves to you because they don't think they have met you and because they think you may be new to the community.
Is it the soothing and breathtaking beauty of the surrounding community? When that nice access staff member lets you in and you get over the nice things he said about your dog, you then are struck with how green Orchid is, how manicured, how orderly, how healthy it all looks. It forces you, right then, to immediately get out of your car to go walking, running, kayaking, playing tennis, biking, looking at the wildlife, enjoying the winds blow through the palms, swimming, playing golf on one of the most stunningly maintained and strategic courses in Florida, . . . whatever it is that takes you and keeps you outside and contributing to your own physical welfare. It is serene. It is peaceful. It is cleansing. And so it also is conducive to your mental health as well, and helps you tap into the inspirational, the creative, the cultural, the literary, to the museums, the theaters, the galleries, the book clubs and bridge clubs that proliferate the area. And, in turn, it inspires you to want to give back to the community which fosters it; whether that contribution is in the form of dollars and/or hours, you are compelled to reciprocate for all the joy that Orchid heaps on you.
I like it all. Such a welcome to us as new homeowners and equity golfers has simply served to solidify Joan's and my belief that our recent decision to buy at Orchid and to spend a significant portion of our lives there was the right one for us.
I do not know what I like best.
Is it the professionalism and graciousness of the staff, each one of whom almost seems like a member of the family, only nicer? The access staff who, despite knowing us, continue to let us in each and every time and who wave while doing so, and say nice things about our golden retriever. The food and beverage s ...
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