By Angela Higginbotham
angela@floridanewsline.com
Born and raised in Melbourne, Fla., Ricke Ricciardelli moved to St. Johns County in 2002. Ricciardelli and her husband, a retired law enforcement officer, enjoy living in the Cascades neighborhood of World Golf Village. Ricciardelli relishes spending time with her family and gives much of her time to Wards Creek Elementary as a volunteer.
- What do you enjoy most about living in St. Johns County and World Golf Village?
We moved to the area to be closer to my daughter, Michelle, and her family. We just really love the area. We live in a senior community, and there is a lot for us to do. I love the small town feel, but enjoy how close we are to shopping, arts, entertainment and the beach. It’s just a great place.
- How did your volunteer work at Wards Creek Elementary begin?
I have two grandchildren. Davis is now 15 years old and Ava is 11 years old. When they started school, I needed a purpose, so I started spending a great deal of time at their school. I was a past PTO president and I’ve just always remained active in the festivals, events and whatever they needed help with.
- Do you have any new volunteer plans for the future?
This will probably be my last year at Wards Creek because my granddaughter will be moving up to middle school. I am a great believer in giving back, so I will find other opportunities. As you get older, you just have to do something to get out and moving.
- What do you enjoy doing in your spare time, apart from volunteering?
I’m in the Cascades Players group and I enjoy being in the plays we have. I also like to paint and quilt.
- If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
I have no desire to leave the country. I would travel the United States in a motorhome. I would go out west and spend time getting to know our own country.
Photo courtesy Ricke Ricciardelli
Ricke Ricciardelli with her husband, Tony.
