Meet Tropical Palms’ Activities Volunteer Nancy Nizzardini
Nancy Nizzardini’s dad was a stain glass artist, so it seems only natural that she would develop an interest in the medium. She started taking classes as a youngster and soon developed a small business making stain glass murals, windows, and other works of art on consignment. Soon she was participating in craft shows in the Pocono Mountains of her native Pennsylvania.
In 2004, Nancy, husband Bob and granddaughter Anna, who the Nizzardinis are raising, moved to Seminole. “I love the house,” Nancy says, “but I had no place to keep all my stain glass equipment.” When her equipment went into storage it looked as though Nancy might have to give up her passion.
Then the Nizzardinis discovered Tropical Palms during a family motor home vacation and fell in love it. It would give her artistry new life.
“We loved the atmosphere here. Everyone, the other owners, the staff, are all like a warm friendly family. Bob really loves vegging out at the pool and Anna loves riding her bike and playing with friends. So it wasn’t very long before we decided to buy a Sandcastle vacation cottage we could visit on the weekends.”
That was three years ago. But it wasn’t until Royalty Resorts took control of the Resort that General Manager Chris Wasilewski and Karen Norris of Sandcastles discovered Nancy’s gift.
“Royalty Resorts wanted to start offering more amenities to owners and guests and I had all the tools necessary to set up shop – a ton of glass, glass cutters, grinders, patterns, foil, solder – everything anyone would need to do a project. They approached me about volunteering to teach a class.
“I jumped at the chance. I was just itching to make glass again because I really believe that when God gives you a talent it’s meant to be shared.”
Chris enlisted the help of her Regional Director – Tim Deputy to really make it come together. “They gave me space in one of the buildings. The team worked to make the space hospitable, building counters and such and then started to advertise the program.”
Nancy set about creating kits with patterns, pre-cut and ground glass, and solder and foil for those taking the class – everything someone would need to create their own work of art – even if they were only here for a weekend. Of course, long-term residents and vacationers can and do make more complicated projects. Nancy has made certain there are projects for all levels of artistry, from the beginner to the more advanced.
“Humming birds are very popular and so are palm trees, which is completely understandable since this is Tropical Palms. And these are projects that can be completed in just an hour or two, leaving people time to go hang out at the pool and veg with Bob,” Nancy says with the smile that’s always in her voice.
Nancy is really gratified by the fact that as people return to the Resort and to class, they do more and more complicated projects. “One woman who adopts rescue greyhounds wanted to do a greyhound stained glass. It was very detailed, involving more than thirty pieces. It turned out beautifully.
“This year I’ve got people coming back who are planning some really difficult window treatments. And there are others who want to learn how to cut and grind the glass to prepare it for foil and solder. I’ve taught Activities team member Pam Mackie how to cut and grind so when I’m not at Tropical, she holds classes. Like me, it seems once someone tries it they really get hooked. Which is great because it gives people something beautiful to show for their time here.”
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I am having fun learning new crafts here at Tropical palms. Beading as making braceletts, earrings, and so forth. I love the stin glass classes’ perfect.
I can not wait to see what else I can learn. Every one here is so friendly, and helps you out when you need it no matter if they are working or off work. GREAT bunch of people.
Thanks to all who works at Tropical Palms. Patricia & James Charles
Thanks so much, Nancy, for being so patient with us on the 4th of July. You helped us create two beautiful fish that will take center stage in both my cousin’s and my home. You added value to our vacation – we didn’t just buy something, we actually got to MAKE our own, and that makes our vacation memorable. Thanks again!