FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: Nell Rude

1. The Rude’s originally lived at Seaplace on Longboat Key when they first bought a place in Florida in 1977. “We came down and picked out a condo before Seaplace was even built!” Since then the couple have had a place at Harborside, Bent Tree and now live in Marbella in Sarasota.

2. Rude got into photography when she began spending time down on Longboat Key. She began by shooting wildlife she saw out on the Key, but has had many other phases since then. “People in my building (Seaplace) said they didn’t know what my face actually looked like because I always had my head down taking photos of every little shell I saw.” Today, Rude goes to art shows to sell her photos and when she has an exhibition of her work she hangs it all herself.

3. Rude was asked to join the National League of American Pen Women Society in 1988 and has served as the Exhibition Chairman for the local chapter for 15 years.

4. One organization that Rude helps to raise money for is CCI, Canine Companions for Independent People. The organization raises dogs for handicapped children and adults so that they can be more independent. One fundraiser she ran raised $45,000 in one day.

5. For 40 years Rude has been making strawberry and peach jam. She makes strawberry jam in June and peach jam in August and usually makes between 100-150 jars of jam – all of which she gives away to family and friends.

Click here to read "Neighbors: Nell Rude"