Volunteer Spotlight, Ken & Pattie Fox
Ken & Pattie Fox
John Gorrie Museum State Park
Ken and Pattie are snowbirds from rural southwest Michigan who come to Florida each winter. As active nature lovers, Ken and Pattie couldn't just sit on the beach for three months. They became friends with a great group of volunteers at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park and wanted to join them. Since then, they have contributed their time and talents at Florida State Parks including St. Joseph Peninsula State Park and St. George Island State Park. As resident volunteers at the Orman House Historic State Park, they also assist at the John Gorrie Museum State Park.
Ken and Pattie say they enjoy volunteering because staff trust in their abilities and the job is never boring. They love being able to "play" in the gardens and yard during the winter months. You will typically see Ken and Pattie weeding, thinning, pruning and planting. As spring approaches, mowing, edging, blowing and sawing become part of their routine. They also assist in the Orman House and John Gorrie Museum by cleaning, performing minor repairs, painting or helping with tours. Their favorite part of volunteering at the Orman House is sitting on the front porch of the beautiful mansion after a full day of work.
When they aren't volunteering, Ken and Pattie enjoy nature watching and have developed a keen interest in monarch butterflies. They are excited to watch the ospreys court and nest in the area, and they love seeing the great horned owl up close in the early evening or morning. Fishing in St. George Island State Park is another highlight of their stay in the area.
Ken and Pattie invite you to come enjoy the John Gorrie Museum or Orman House Historic State Parks.