Meet New Friends

Cecil Pines is an intimate, informal community where good neighbors become best friends. Residents Ralph Gries and Ed Wildes first met each other in 1948 when they were both serving in the U.S. Navy on a Mediterranean cruise. Soon after, they were both assigned to Cecil Field and Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, where they both lived for years as career Navy men. They kept running into each other over the years, professionally and off the base. Ralph was one of our first residents when Cecil Pines opened its doors. And sure enough, it wasn't long before Ed moved in. Today, their lifelong friendship continues to grow.

And then there's Chuck Hamm, or as he likes to call himself and his group of golfing buddies, 'The Old Duffers.' "I'm an old duffer myself," explains Chuck, who until recently never played a lick of golf. But with the city-owned course next door and after encouragement from his friends, Chuck decided to pick up a club and give it his best shot. The Duffers meet regularly at the course complete with their 'crying towel' reserved for the player with the highest score.