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 Bob
and Pat Heitzman’s move to Legacy of Leesburg was actually a move north,
rather than south, as is true for most Pringle residents. That’s
because, prior to moving to Central Florida, they lived in Hollywood,
Florida.
Although both Bob and Pat were born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey,
they became Florida residents about 40 years ago. Bob was employed as a
pharmacist for 45 years, and served 27 years for the Eckerd Drug
Company, in and around the Hollywood area. Pat was employed as a
Registered Nurse at the Hollywood Memorial Hospital for 23 years.
The Heitzmans felt that Hollywood was becoming too congested, so they
decided to move to the Central Florida area. While driving north towards
Ocala along Highway 27, they found Legacy of Leesburg and decided to see
what the community had to offer. Bob was especially attracted to the
nature trails that are an integral part of Legacy. He and Pat decided to
build the Floridian Model home without making any major changes in its
design. They have been Legacy residents for over two years now, and
they’ve found that the community offers a very friendly, relaxed
atmosphere, with neighbors that have come from all over the country. Pat
especially enjoys having so many activities available at the Recreation
Center.
The Heitzmans are the proud parents of two daughters, both living in
Florida. One is an elementary school teacher in Riverview, FL and the
other is a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) in the Leesburg Regional
Medical Center. Bob and Pat also have three granddaughters.
One of Bob’s passions is collecting and growing orchids. The large
screen room at the back of their home is filled with potted orchids that
provide beautiful blooms throughout the year. Bob uses cuttings,
rhizomes and other means of propagating orchids. Some orchids can
actually be grown on a bed of wet ferns rather than soil. The uniqueness
of their various flowers is what attracted Bob to develop his green
thumb, and for the last 18 years, he has enjoyed growing and maintaining
these unusual plants.
In Hollywood, Bob held several offices in the Flamingo Gardens Orchid
Society, and was a member of the South Florida Society. He is presently
serving as the Vice-President and Program Chairman for the Mid-Lakes
Orchid Society in Leesburg, which is affiliated with the American Orchid
Society.
In the community, Bob is Chairman of the monthly Pancake Breakfast
Group, and participates in Computer Club activities. Outside the
community, Bob is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and serves as a
Eucharistic Minister and Lector at the Catholic Community of St. Paul’s
Church.
Pat keeps herself busy with several Legacy of Leesburg activities. She
enjoys sewing, playing cards with neighbors and water aerobics. She
volunteers her crocheting skills to help provide needed afghans and
other garments for children involved in the Boggy Creek Camp program.
She also sews quilts for the Southern Love quilting group (SoLove
Quilts), which also deals with disadvantaged children.
Both Pat and Bob have concluded that choosing Legacy of Leesburg was the
right choice for them. They are enjoying their new home, and the more
relaxed atmosphere they’ve found here in Central Florida.
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