Gather on Earth Day at the landmark property of Stetson Kennedy, a treasured Florida author, folklorist and human rights activist. Situated within 70 acres that he purchased in 1948, the current four acre park is a wildlife refuge, native plant preserve and rookery. American folk balladeer Woody Guthrie was a friend and a frequent visitor. He created more than 80 songs while in residence, inspired by both Kennedy’s work and the property’s unique sense of place. Zora Neale Hurston, famed author and folklorist, described it as a mystical “Florida Shangri-La where all unpleasantness is forgiven and forgotten.” Karen Roumillat, Kennedy’s step-daughter is your guide. She shares her family’s history and her step-father’s legacy. Fellow OLLIs Al Poindexter and Dan Kossoff want you to tune up your singing voice to join them in Guthrie tunes including “This Land is Your Land” and “So Long It’s Been Good to Know Yuh” among others. Bring your guitar, banjo or ukulele if you have one! Debrief with fellow OLLI members over lunch.
Required: Mobility, agility and stamina to walk on uneven ground including a dirt road
Recommended: Dress for the weather, cameras welcome and carpooling
