4 minute read
MCA and the Great Outdoors
By Larry Israelite
Sometimes there is a perception that being retired means being inactive. MCA has many members who could, emphatically, tell you that this is not the case in Naples. In fact, some of MCA’s most successful programs take place in the marvelous environment that the greater Naples area provides.
In this column, we ask three individuals who lead programs that take place in the great outdoors the same two questions: Why do they enjoy the programs they lead? And why do they think their programs are so popular with MCA members? Here are their answers.
Pickleball – Bruce Sherman
MCA members can play pickleball twice each week throughout the year, including the summer months. Every Monday and Thursday at 10 a.m., members meet at Sports Challenge America in Bonita Springs for two hours of vigorous play. Players are assigned to courts based on their skills, so everyone can feel comfortable, regardless of their level of expertise.
When asked why he enjoys pickleball, Bruce said, “It's the only sport I have been good at.” He goes on to say that he started playing when he and his wife first came to Naples as snowbirds. “I didn't know much about it, but it was a way for me to meet other MCA members. It's a great way to meet new people, make new friends and share a common interest.” Bruce thinks that’s why Pickleball is such a popular event with the approximately 60 men who participate. “MCA Pickleball has helped forge lasting friendships among MCA members, which enhances MCA's value to our community.”
Kayaking – Bob Lubin
Kayaking has been an MCA staple for many years. Every Friday morning throughout the season, as many as 25 MCA members gather at launch sites all over southwestern Florida for several hours on the water.
Bob Lubin, the leader of the kayak group says, “I have enjoyed water sports since I was a child — swimming, beach time at the Jersey shore and boating. We had lived on the Shrewsbury River in New Jersey preretirement and knew we wanted to be near the water when I retired.” When Bob and his wife Leda arrived in the Naples area, they came with one kayak, two canoes, two jet skis and a center-console power boat on a trailer. And now, there are 5 kayaks hanging from the garage ceiling and the rest of the toys are gone.
When asked why he kayaks, Bob said, “Where else can you find tranquility, close experiences with nature and comfortable conditions for hours of exercise? Co-founding the MCA kayak club with Jay Weintraub and making wonderful friendships with fellow paddlers over the past 10 years or so, has been life changing.” Bob also speculated about the reasons why the MCA kayaking group has so many committed members. “You can have conversations anywhere, but the tenor is different when you paddle, side-by-side, through mangrove channels or across open bays. The settings are beautiful and quiet, except for the sound of water from your paddle and kayak. A wide variety of birds, jumping fish, dolphins, occasional manatees, mangrove tunnels and channels, colorful skies, etc. all add to the beauty of the experience.”
Other Opportunities
MCA members don’t have to be athletes to enjoy their time outside. Alan Gordon leads a monthly Birding experience, during which MCA members explore local parks where they see many interesting and beautiful species of birds. As with the other group leaders, Alan believes that, in addition to the scenery, friendship and camaraderie are what attract MCA members to this event. And the leaders of our other outdoor activities, which include walking, biking, golf, bocce and fishing would say exactly the same thing – the activity is fun, but spending time with their current MCA friends, and knowing they may make new ones, is why they participate.
If you are interested in learning more about MCA’s outdoor activities, go to www.mcanaples.org or scan the QR code below.
